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Zhang J, Wu M, Li J, Song W, Lin X, Zhu L. Effects of virtual reality-based rehabilitation on cognitive function and mood in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 87:105643. [PMID: 38735202 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105643] [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] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disabling neurological disease that causes cognitive impairment and mental problems that occur in all MS phenotypes but are most common in patients with secondary progressive MS. Various degrees of cognitive impairment and mental health concerns are common among patients with MS (PwMS). Virtual reality (VR)-based rehabilitation is an innovative approach aimed at enhancing cognitive function and mood in PwMS. This study aims to perform a meta-analysis to assess the effects of VR-based rehabilitation on cognitive function and mood in PwMS. METHODS Using PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), a thorough database search was performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of VR on PwMS. Trials published until October 31, 2023, that satisfied our predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. Data were extracted, literature was examined, and the methodological quality of the included trials was assessed. StataSE version 16 was used for the meta-analysis. RESULTS Our meta-analysis included 461 patients from 10 RCTs. PRIMARY OUTCOMES The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) (weighted mean difference [WMD]=1.93, 95 % confidence interval [CI]=0.51-3.36, P = 0.008, I² = 75.4 %) the Spatial Recall Test (SPART) (WMD=3.57, 95 % CI=1.65-5.50, P < 0.001, I² = 0 %), immediate recall (standard mean difference [SMD]=0.37, 95 % CI=0.10-0.64, P = 0.007, I² = 0 %) and delayed recall ([SMD]=0.30, 95 % CI=0.06-0.54, P = 0.013, I² = 35.4 %) showed improvements in comparison to the control group in terms of global cognitive function immediate recall, delayed recall, and visuospatial abilities. SECONDARY OUTCOMES Compared to the control group, anxiety improved (standard mean difference [SMD]=0.36, 95 % CI=0.10-0.62, P = 0.007, I² = 43.1 %). However, there were no significant differences in processing speed, attention, working memory or depression. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review provides valuable evidence for improving cognitive function and mood in PwMS through VR-based rehabilitation. In the future, VR-based rehabilitation may be a potential method to treat cognitive function and emotional symptoms of MS. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO; identifier: CRD42023474467.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiongliang Zhang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150000, China
| | - Minmin Wu
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150000, China
| | - Jinting Li
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150000, China
| | - Wenjing Song
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150000, China
| | - Xiaoguang Lin
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150000, China
| | - Luwen Zhu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150000, China.
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Saxena R, McNaughton BL. Bridging Neuroscience and AI: Environmental Enrichment as a Model for Forward Knowledge Transfer. ARXIV 2024:arXiv:2405.07295v2. [PMID: 38947919 PMCID: PMC11213130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Continual learning (CL) refers to an agent's capability to learn from a continuous stream of data and transfer knowledge without forgetting old information. One crucial aspect of CL is forward transfer, i.e., improved and faster learning on a new task by leveraging information from prior knowledge. While this ability comes naturally to biological brains, it poses a significant challenge for artificial intelligence (AI). Here, we suggest that environmental enrichment (EE) can be used as a biological model for studying forward transfer, inspiring human-like AI development. EE refers to animal studies that enhance cognitive, social, motor, and sensory stimulation and is a model for what, in humans, is referred to as 'cognitive reserve'. Enriched animals show significant improvement in learning speed and performance on new tasks, typically exhibiting forward transfer. We explore anatomical, molecular, and neuronal changes post-EE and discuss how artificial neural networks (ANNs) can be used to predict neural computation changes after enriched experiences. Finally, we provide a synergistic way of combining neuroscience and AI research that paves the path toward developing AI capable of rapid and efficient new task learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajat Saxena
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Bruce L McNaughton
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 3M4 Canada
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3
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Pastor A, Bourdin-Kreitz P. Comparing episodic memory outcomes from walking augmented reality and stationary virtual reality encoding experiences. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7580. [PMID: 38555291 PMCID: PMC10981735 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57668-w] [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] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Episodic Memory (EM) is the neurocognitive capacity to consciously recollect personally experienced events in specific spatio-temporal contexts. Although the relevance of spatial and temporal information is widely acknowledged in the EM literature, it remains unclear whether and how EM performance and organisation is modulated by self-motion, and by motor- and visually- salient environmental features (EFs) of the encoding environment. This study examines whether and how EM is modulated by locomotion and the EFs encountered in a controlled lifelike learning route within a large-scale building. Twenty-eight healthy participants took part in a museum-tour encoding task implemented in walking Augmented Reality (AR) and stationary Virtual Reality (VR) conditions. EM performance and organisation were assessed immediately and 48-hours after trials using a Remember/Familiar recognition paradigm. Results showed a significant positive modulation effect of locomotion on distinctive EM aspects. Findings highlighted a significant performance enhancement effect of stairway-adjacent locations compared to dead-end and mid-route stimuli-presentation locations. The results of this study may serve as design criteria to facilitate neurocognitive rehabilitative interventions of EM. The underlying technological framework developed for this study represents a novel and ecologically sound method for evaluating EM processes in lifelike situations, allowing researchers a naturalistic perspective into the complex nature of EM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Pastor
- XR-Lab, Research-HUB, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
- Computer Science, Multimedia and Telecommunication Department, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pierre Bourdin-Kreitz
- XR-Lab, Research-HUB, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain.
- Computer Science, Multimedia and Telecommunication Department, Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain.
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Sarma R, Willis N, Holthaus TA, Cannavale CN, Gibbs HD, Khan N. Memory Abilities Are Selectively Related to Food Label and Numeracy Nutrition Skills. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2023; 55:861-868. [PMID: 37921796 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2023.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We investigated the relationship between nutrition literacy, diet quality, carotenoid status, and cognition. METHODS Adults aged 37.5 ± 17.0 years (n = 52) completed the 42-item Nutrition Literacy Assessment Instrument (NLit). The Dietary History Questionnaire III was analyzed to determine the Healthy Eating Index. Skin carotenoids were assessed as a diet quality biomarker. Selective attention, relational memory, and pattern separation abilities were assessed using the flanker, spatial reconstruction, and mnemonic similarity tasks, respectively. Statistical adjustments included age, sex, education, and body mass index. RESULTS No correlations were observed for NLit scores and NLit subscales with Healthy Eating Index and skin carotenoid status. However, the NLit's food label and numeracy subscale was related to greater pattern separation abilities (ρ = 0.33, r2 = 0.11, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Comprehension of food labels and numeracy information was associated with memory abilities. Future work is needed to test whether targeting working memory and attentional processes during memory retrieval in larger samples may facilitate the acquisition of nutrition knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhea Sarma
- Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL
| | - Nathaniel Willis
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL
| | - Tori A Holthaus
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL
| | | | - Heather D Gibbs
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Naiman Khan
- Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL; Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL; Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL.
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5
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Snow JC, Gomez MA, Compton MT. Human memory for real-world solid objects is not predicted by responses to image displays. J Exp Psychol Gen 2023; 152:2703-2712. [PMID: 37079829 PMCID: PMC10587360 DOI: 10.1037/xge0001387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
In experimental psychology and neuroscience, computerized image stimuli are typically used as artificial proxies for real-world objects to understand brain and behavior. Here, in a series of five experiments (n = 165), we studied human memory for objects presented as tangible solids versus computerized images. We found that recall for solids was superior to images, both immediately after learning, and after a 24-hr delay. A "realness advantage" was also evident relative to three-dimensional (3-D) stereoscopic images, and when solids were viewed monocularly, arguing against explanations based on the presence of binocular depth cues in the stimulus. Critically, memory for solids was modulated by physical distance, with superior recall for objects positioned within versus outside of observers' reach, whereas recall for images was unaffected by distance. We conclude that solids are processed quantitatively and qualitatively differently in episodic memory than are images, suggesting caution in assuming that artifice can always substitute for reality. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael A. Gomez
- The University of Nevada Reno, Reno, Nevada, USA
- Clovis Community College, Fresno, CA
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Bergmann M, Wollbrandt I, Gittel L, Halbe E, Mackert S, Philipsen A, Lux S. Effects of a video game intervention on symptoms, training motivation, and visuo-spatial memory in depression. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1173652. [PMID: 37692312 PMCID: PMC10484510 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1173652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background People with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) often experience reduced affect, mood, and cognitive impairments such as memory problems. Although there are various treatments for MDD, many of them do not address the cognitive deficits associated with the disorder. Playing 3D video games has been found to improve cognitive functioning in healthy people, but it is not clear how they may affect depressed mood and motivation in people with MDD. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a six-week video game intervention leads to improvements in depressed mood, training motivation, and visuo-spatial (working) memory functions in patients with MDD. Methods A total of 46 clinically depressed individuals were randomly assigned to one of three groups: an experimental "3D video gaming" group (n = 14) which played a video game, an active control group (n = 16) which trained with a computer program "CogPack," and a treatment-as-usual group (n = 16) which received a standard clinical treatment including psychotherapy and/or pharmacotherapy. Participants performed a neuropsychological assessment, including self-report questionnaires asking for depressive symptoms, training motivation, and visuo-spatial (working) memory functions before and after the training intervention. Results Regarding depressive symptoms, a significant decrease in the proportion of participants who showed clinical levels of depressive symptoms as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory was only found in the 3D video gaming group. Additionally, mean motivational levels of performing the training were significantly higher in the 3D video gaming group when compared with the active control group. Moreover, whereas the 3D Video Gaming group only significantly improved on one visuo-spatial memory test, the active control group improved in all visuo-spatial memory functions. The 3D video gaming group did not perform significantly better than the CogPack group, and the TAU group. Conclusion Besides a standalone cognitive training, the current findings suggest that cognitive trainings using a video game have potential to increase subjective well-being, show higher levels of training motivation, and lead to improvements in visuo-spatial (working) memory functions in MDD. However, given the mixed and unblinded nature of this study, the results should be interpreted with caution. Further research with larger samples and follow-up measurements is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Bergmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Cui X, Gui W, Miao J, Liu X, Zhu X, Zheng Z, Wan W, Shao Q, Kray J, Jiang Y, Li J. A Combined Intervention of Aerobic Exercise and Video Game in Older Adults: The Efficacy and Neural Basis on Improving Mnemonic Discrimination. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2023; 78:1436-1444. [PMID: 36462181 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glac232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mnemonic discrimination is very vulnerable to aging. Previous studies have reported that aerobic exercise and enriched cognitive stimulation (e.g., video games) could improve mnemonic discrimination in older adults. The animal model suggested that combining the 2 training methods could result in a larger improvement. However, there is limited evidence on the potential superior efficacy of combined intervention with human participants. Moreover, the neural basis of this potential superior is poorly understood. METHODS We conducted a 16-week intervention trial with 98 community-dwelling older adults assigned to one of the four groups (combined training, aerobic cycling alone, video game alone, or passive control). Mnemonic discrimination was measured as the primary behavioral outcome, hippocampal volume, and functional connectivity of the default mode network (DMN) were measured as neural indicators. RESULTS Participants receiving the combined intervention demonstrated the largest effect size of mnemonic discrimination improvement. Magnetic resonance image results indicated aerobic exercising increased left hippocampal volume, while video-game training counteracted the decline of DMN functional connectivity with aging. The synergy of hippocampal structural and functional plasticity observed in the combined training group explained why the largest intervention benefits were obtained by this group. CONCLUSION Despite the nonrandomized design (i.e., likely self-selection bias), our results provide new evidence that combined intervention of exercise and cognitive training is more effective than single intervention for older adults. Parallel to animal studies, aerobic exercise and the video game with enriched cognitive stimulation could induce hippocampal plasticity through separate structural and functional pathways. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NUMBER ChiCTR1900022702.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Cui
- Center on Aging Psychology, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjun Gui
- Center on Aging Psychology, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingwen Miao
- Center on Aging Psychology, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaomei Liu
- Center on Aging Psychology, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyi Zhu
- Center on Aging Psychology, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiwei Zheng
- Center on Aging Psychology, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenyu Wan
- Center on Aging Psychology, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Shao
- Center on Aging Psychology, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jutta Kray
- Department of Psychology, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Yang Jiang
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky,USA
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky,USA
| | - Juan Li
- Center on Aging Psychology, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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8
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Echeverria V, Mendoza C, Iarkov A. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and learning and memory deficits in Neuroinflammatory diseases. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1179611. [PMID: 37255751 PMCID: PMC10225599 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1179611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal survival depends on cognitive abilities such as learning and memory to adapt to environmental changes. Memory functions require an enhanced activity and connectivity of a particular arrangement of engram neurons, supported by the concerted action of neurons, glia, and vascular cells. The deterioration of the cholinergic system is a common occurrence in neurological conditions exacerbated by aging such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD). Cotinine is a cholinergic modulator with neuroprotective, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and memory-enhancing effects. Current evidence suggests Cotinine's beneficial effects on cognition results from the positive modulation of the α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and the inhibition of the toll-like receptors (TLRs). The α7nAChR affects brain functions by modulating the function of neurons, glia, endothelial, immune, and dendritic cells and regulates inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission throughout the GABA interneurons. In addition, Cotinine acting on the α7 nAChRs and TLR reduces neuroinflammation by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines by the immune cells. Also, α7nAChRs stimulate signaling pathways supporting structural, biochemical, electrochemical, and cellular changes in the Central nervous system during the cognitive processes, including Neurogenesis. Here, the mechanisms of memory formation as well as potential mechanisms of action of Cotinine on memory preservation in aging and neurological diseases are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Echeverria
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Concepción, Chile
- Research and Development Department, Bay Pines VAHCS, Bay Pines, FL, United States
| | - Cristhian Mendoza
- Facultad de Odontologia y Ciencias de la Rehabilitacion, Universidad San Sebastián, Concepción, Chile
| | - Alex Iarkov
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Concepción, Chile
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The eSports Medicine: Pre-Participation Screening and Injuries Management-An Update. Sports (Basel) 2023; 11:sports11020034. [PMID: 36828319 PMCID: PMC9966106 DOI: 10.3390/sports11020034] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, electronic sports (eSports) became one of the growing forms of new media due to the wide diffusion of games and online technologies. Even if there is still a debate about the definition and characterization of eSports, eAthletes train heavily, compete in tournaments, must abide by competition, association, and governing body rules, just like all other athletes. Furthermore, as in any other competitive discipline, there can be injuries. Aberrant sitting posture, repetitive movements, screen vision, prolonged playing hours, and a sedentary lifestyle can lead to several medical hazards in musculoskeletal, ophthalmology, neurological, and metabolic systems. Moreover, several cardiovascular changes occur in eAthletes. This paper aims to explore the different injuries that can occur in a professional eAthlete, suggesting how every high-level gamer could benefit from a pre-participation evaluation and a correct injury prevention strategy.
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Stark CEL, Noche JA, Ebersberger JR, Mayer L, Stark SM. Optimizing the mnemonic similarity task for efficient, widespread use. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1080366. [PMID: 36778130 PMCID: PMC9909607 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1080366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The Mnemonic Similarity Task (MST) has become a popular test of memory and, in particular, of hippocampal function. It has been heavily used in research settings and is currently included as an alternate outcome measure on a number of clinical trials. However, as it typically requires ~15 min to administer and benefits substantially from an experienced test administrator to ensure the instructions are well-understood, its use in trials and in other settings is somewhat restricted. Several different variants of the MST are in common use that alter the task format (study-test vs. continuous) and the response prompt given to participants (old/similar/new vs. old/new). Methods: In eight online experiments, we sought to address three main goals: (1) To determine whether a robust version of the task could be created that could be conducted in half the traditional time; (2) To determine whether the test format or response prompt choice significantly impacted the MST's results; and (3) To determine how robust the MST is to repeat testing. In Experiments 1-7, participants received both the traditional and alternate forms of the MST to determine how well the alternate version captured the traditional task's performance. In Experiment 8, participants were given the MST four times over approximately 4 weeks. Results: In Experiments 1-7, we found that test format had no effect on the reliability of the MST, but that shifting to the two-choice response format significantly reduced its ability to reflect the traditional MST's score. We also found that the full running time could be cut it half or less without appreciable reduction in reliability. We confirmed the efficacy of this reduced task in older adults as well. Here, and in Experiment 8, we found that while there often are no effects of repeat-testing, small effects are possible, but appear limited to the initial testing session. Discussion: The optimized version of the task developed here (oMST) is freely available for web-based experiment delivery and provides an accurate estimate of the same memory ability as the classic MST in less than half the time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig E. L. Stark
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Cognitive Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Jessica A. Noche
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Jarrett R. Ebersberger
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Cognitive Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Lizabeth Mayer
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Shauna M. Stark
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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Reggente N. VR for Cognition and Memory. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2023; 65:189-232. [PMID: 37440126 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2023_425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
This chapter will provide a review of research into human cognition through the lens of VR-based paradigms for studying memory. Emphasis is placed on why VR increases the ecological validity of memory research and the implications of such enhancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicco Reggente
- Institute for Advanced Consciousness Studies, Santa Monica, CA, USA.
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12
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Fabozzi F, Margoni S, Andreozzi B, Musci MS, Del Baldo G, Boccuto L, Mastronuzzi A, Carai A. Cerebellar mutism syndrome: From pathophysiology to rehabilitation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1082947. [PMID: 36531947 PMCID: PMC9755514 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1082947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebellar mutism syndrome (CMS) is a common complication following surgical resection of childhood tumors arising in the posterior fossa. Alteration of linguistic production, up to muteness and emotional lability, generally reported at least 24 h after the intervention, is the hallmark of post-operative CMS. Other associated traits include hypotonia and other cerebellar motor signs, cerebellar cognitive-affective syndrome, motor deficits from the involvement of the long pathways, and cranial neuropathies. Recovery usually takes 6 months, but most children are burdened with long-term residual deficits. The pathogenic mechanism is likely due to the damage occurring to the proximal efferent cerebellar pathway, including the dentate nucleus, the superior cerebellar peduncle, and its decussation in the mesencephalic tegmentum. Proven risk factors include brain stem invasion, diagnosis of medulloblastoma, midline localization, tumor size, invasion of the fourth ventricle, invasion of the superior cerebellar peduncle, left-handedness, and incision of the vermis. Currently, rehabilitation is the cornerstone of the treatment of patients with cerebellar mutism syndrome, and it must consider the three main impaired domains, namely speech, cognition/behavior, and movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Fabozzi
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Stella Margoni
- School of Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Bianca Andreozzi
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Simona Musci
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giada Del Baldo
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Boccuto
- School of Nursing, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Science, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, United States
| | - Angela Mastronuzzi
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Carai
- Department of Neurosciences, Neurosurgery Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Akinbo OI, McNeal N, Hylin M, Hite N, Dagner A, Grippo AJ. The Influence of Environmental Enrichment on Affective and Neural Consequences of Social Isolation Across Development. AFFECTIVE SCIENCE 2022; 3:713-733. [PMID: 36519141 PMCID: PMC9743881 DOI: 10.1007/s42761-022-00131-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Social stress is associated with depression and anxiety, physiological disruptions, and altered brain morphology in central stress circuitry across development. Environmental enrichment strategies may improve responses to social stress. Socially monogamous prairie voles exhibit analogous social and emotion-related behaviors to humans, with potential translational insight into interactions of social stress, age, and environmental enrichment. This study explored the effects of social isolation and environmental enrichment on behaviors related to depression and anxiety, physiological indicators of stress, and dendritic structural changes in amygdala and hippocampal subregions in young adult and aging prairie voles. Forty-nine male prairie voles were assigned to one of six groups divided by age (young adult vs. aging), social structure (paired vs. isolated), and housing environment (enriched vs. non-enriched). Following 4 weeks of these conditions, behaviors related to depression and anxiety were investigated in the forced swim test and elevated plus maze, body and adrenal weights were evaluated, and dendritic morphology analyses were conducted in hippocampus and amygdala subregions. Environmental enrichment decreased immobility duration in the forced swim test, increased open arm exploration in the elevated plus maze, and reduced adrenal/body weight ratio in aging and young adult prairie voles. Age and social isolation influenced dendritic morphology in the basolateral amygdala. Age, but not social isolation, influenced dendritic morphology in the hippocampal dentate gyrus. Environmental enrichment did not influence dendritic morphology in either brain region. These data may inform interventions to reduce the effects of social stressors and age-related central changes associated with affective behavioral consequences in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oreoluwa I. Akinbo
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115 USA
| | - Neal McNeal
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115 USA
| | - Michael Hylin
- Department of Psychology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901 USA
| | - Natalee Hite
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, 62901, USA
| | - Ashley Dagner
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115 USA
| | - Angela J. Grippo
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115 USA
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14
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Simon KC, Clemenson GD, Zhang J, Sattari N, Shuster AE, Clayton B, Alzueta E, Dulai T, de Zambotti M, Stark C, Baker FC, Mednick SC. Sleep facilitates spatial memory but not navigation using the Minecraft Memory and Navigation task. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2202394119. [PMID: 36252023 PMCID: PMC9618094 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2202394119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep facilitates hippocampal-dependent memories, supporting the acquisition and maintenance of internal representation of spatial relations within an environment. In humans, however, findings have been mixed regarding sleep's contribution to spatial memory and navigation, which may be due to task designs or outcome measurements. We developed the Minecraft Memory and Navigation (MMN) task for the purpose of disentangling how spatial memory accuracy and navigation change over time, and to study sleep's independent contributions to each. In the MMN task, participants learned the locations of objects through free exploration of an open field computerized environment. At test, they were teleported to random positions around the environment and required to navigate to the remembered location of each object. In study 1, we developed and validated four unique MMN environments with the goal of equating baseline learning and immediate test performance. A total of 86 participants were administered the training phases and immediate test. Participants' baseline performance was equivalent across all four environments, supporting the use of the MMN task. In study 2, 29 participants were trained, tested immediately, and again 12 h later after a period of sleep or wake. We found that the metric accuracy of object locations, i.e., spatial memory, was maintained over a night of sleep, while after wake, metric accuracy declined. In contrast, spatial navigation improved over both sleep and wake delays. Our findings support the role of sleep in retaining the precise spatial relationships within a cognitive map; however, they do not support a specific role of sleep in navigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine C. Simon
- Department of Cognitive Sciences, School of Social Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Gregory D. Clemenson
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Cognitive Sciences, School of Social Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Negin Sattari
- Department of Cognitive Sciences, School of Social Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Alessandra E. Shuster
- Department of Cognitive Sciences, School of Social Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Brandon Clayton
- Department of Cognitive Sciences, School of Social Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Elisabet Alzueta
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025
| | - Teji Dulai
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025
| | | | - Craig Stark
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Fiona C. Baker
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025
- Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Sara C. Mednick
- Department of Cognitive Sciences, School of Social Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697
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15
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Weller S, Schroeder PA, Plewnia C. Gamification improves antidepressant effects of cognitive control training-A pilot trial. Front Digit Health 2022; 4:994484. [PMID: 36339520 PMCID: PMC9635856 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2022.994484] [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: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Computerised cognitive trainings have been put forward to improve control over negatively biased information processing and associated depressive symptomatology. Yet, disease-related impairments of motivation and endurance, as well as insufficient accessibility hinder use of this promising therapeutic opportunity. Here, we developed an app (de:)press© ) that utilizes a cognitive control training (paced auditory serial addition task) enriched with gamification and information elements. We compared a six-week training with de:)press© to a non-gamified version (active control group). METHODS Thirty-two depressed participants were included. Each received either de:)press© or the non-gamified version and was instructed to train three times per week for two weeks. Afterwards (four weeks) they were free to train at their own discretion. Depression severity was assessed during training and two follow-up sessions. Primary endpoint was defined as difference between groups [change of Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)] four weeks after end of training. RESULTS Depression severity decreased in both groups. At primary endpoint, MADRS scores were significantly lower in the de:)press© -group compared to the control group. No differences were observed at three months' follow-up. Intervention usability was consistently rated positively. Participants who had trained with de:)press© maintained the recommended training frequency without further prompting. Besides transient fatigue or frustration, no adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSION This pilot demonstrates that gamification and information elements can substantially increase cognitive control training efficacy in alleviating depressive symptoms. Moreover, it provides first evidence for the feasibility and efficacy of de:)press© as an add-on intervention to treat depression. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION The study is registered under ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04400162.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Weller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Tuebingen Center for Mental Health, University Hospital of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | | | - Christian Plewnia
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Tuebingen Center for Mental Health, University Hospital of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany,Correspondence: Christian Plewnia
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16
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Bruni F, Borghesi F, Mancuso V, Riva G, Stramba-Badiale M, Pedroli E, Cipresso P. Cognition Meets Gait: Where and How Mind and Body Weave Each Other in a Computational Psychometrics Approach in Aging. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:909029. [PMID: 35875804 PMCID: PMC9304933 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.909029] [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: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging may be associated with conditions characterized by motor and cognitive alterations, which could have a detrimental impact on daily life. Although motors and cognitive aspects have always been treated as separate entities, recent literature highlights their relationship, stressing a strong association between locomotion and executive functions. Thus, designing interventions targeting the risks deriving from both components’ impairments is crucial: the dual-task represents a starting point. Although its role in targeting and decreasing difficulties in aging is well known, most interventions are focused on a single domain, proposing a vertical model in which patients emerge only for a single aspect per time during assessment and rehabilitation. In this perspective, we propose a view of the individual as a whole between mind and body, suggesting a multicomponent and multidomain approach that could integrate different domains at the same time retracing lifelike situations. Virtual Reality, thanks to the possibility to develop daily environments with engaging challenges for patients, as well as to manage different devices to collect multiple data, provides the optimal scenario in which the integration could occur. Artificial Intelligence, otherwise, offers the best methodologies to integrate a great amount of various data to create a predictive model and identify appropriate and individualized interventions. Based on these assumptions the present perspective aims to propose the development of a new approach to an integrated, multimethod, multidimensional training in order to enhance cognition and physical aspects based on behavioral data, incorporating consolidated technologies in an innovative approach to neurology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Borghesi
- Applied Technology for Neuropsychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Riva
- Applied Technology for Neuropsychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Human Technology Lab, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Stramba-Badiale
- Department of Geriatrics and Cardiovascular Medicine, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Pedroli
- Faculty of Psychology, eCampus University, Novedrate, Italy
- Applied Technology for Neuropsychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Cipresso
- Applied Technology for Neuropsychology Lab, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- *Correspondence: Pietro Cipresso,
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17
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Grupe DW, Barnes AL, Gresham L, Kirvin-Quamme A, Nord E, Alexander AL, Abercrombie HC, Schaefer SM, Davidson RJ. Perceived stress associations with hippocampal-dependent behavior and hippocampal subfield volume. Neurobiol Stress 2022; 19:100469. [PMID: 35859546 PMCID: PMC9289864 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2022.100469] [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: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Individual differences in stress appraisals influence trajectories of risk and resilience following exposure to chronic and acute stressors. Smaller hippocampal volume may contribute to elevated stress appraisals via deficient pattern separation, a process depending on dentate gyrus (DG)/CA3 hippocampal subfields. Here, we investigated links between perceived stress, DG/CA3 volume, and behavioral pattern separation to test hypothesized mechanisms underlying stress-related psychopathology. Methods We collected the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and ratings of subjective stress reactivity during the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) from 71 adult community participants. We obtained high-resolution T2 MRI scans and used Automatic Segmentation of Hippocampal Subfields to estimate DG/CA3 volume in 56 of these participants. Participants completed the mnemonic similarity task, which provides a behavioral index of pattern separation. Analyses investigated associations between perceived stress, DG/CA3 volume, and behavioral pattern separation, controlling for age, gender, hemisphere, and intracranial volume. Results Greater PSS scores and TSST subjective stress reactivity were each independently related to poorer behavioral pattern separation, together accounting for 15% of variance in behavioral performance in a simultaneous regression. Contrary to hypotheses, DG/CA3 volume was not associated with either stress measure, although exploratory analyses suggested a link between hippocampal volume asymmetry and PSS scores. Conclusions We observed novel associations between laboratory and questionnaire measures of perceived stress and a behavioral assay of pattern separation. Additional work is needed to clarify the involvement of the hippocampus in this stress-behavior relationship and determine the relevance of behavioral pattern separation for stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W Grupe
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Healthy Minds, 625 W Washington Ave, Madison, WI, 53703, USA.,University of Wisconsin-Madison Waisman Laboratory for Brain Imaging and Behavior, 1500 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Alexandra L Barnes
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Healthy Minds, 625 W Washington Ave, Madison, WI, 53703, USA
| | - Lauren Gresham
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Healthy Minds, 625 W Washington Ave, Madison, WI, 53703, USA
| | - Andrew Kirvin-Quamme
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Healthy Minds, 625 W Washington Ave, Madison, WI, 53703, USA
| | - Elizabeth Nord
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Healthy Minds, 625 W Washington Ave, Madison, WI, 53703, USA
| | - Andrew L Alexander
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Waisman Laboratory for Brain Imaging and Behavior, 1500 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.,University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Medical Physics, 1111 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.,University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Psychiatry, 6001 Research Park Blvd, Madison, WI, 53719, USA
| | - Heather C Abercrombie
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Healthy Minds, 625 W Washington Ave, Madison, WI, 53703, USA.,University of Wisconsin-Madison Waisman Laboratory for Brain Imaging and Behavior, 1500 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Stacey M Schaefer
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Healthy Minds, 625 W Washington Ave, Madison, WI, 53703, USA.,University of Wisconsin-Madison Waisman Laboratory for Brain Imaging and Behavior, 1500 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Richard J Davidson
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Center for Healthy Minds, 625 W Washington Ave, Madison, WI, 53703, USA.,University of Wisconsin-Madison Waisman Laboratory for Brain Imaging and Behavior, 1500 Highland Ave, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.,University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Psychiatry, 6001 Research Park Blvd, Madison, WI, 53719, USA.,University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Psychology, 1202 W Johnson St, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
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18
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Chieffo DPR, Lino F, Arcangeli V, Moriconi F, Frassanito P, Massimi L, Tamburrini G. Posterior Fossa Tumor Rehabilitation: An Up-to-Date Overview. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:904. [PMID: 35740841 PMCID: PMC9221689 DOI: 10.3390/children9060904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
This narrative review highlights the latest achievements in the field of post-surgical rehabilitation of posterior fossa tumors. Studies investigating the effects of cognitive rehabilitation programs have been considered, following a comprehensive literature search in the scientific electronic databases: Pubmed, Scopus, Plos One, and ScienceDirect. This review investigates the effects of cognitive remediation, with specific highlights for single cognitive domains. The results revealed that in spite of the increasing number of children who survive into adulthood, very few studies investigated the effects of rehabilitation programs in this specific population. This study details new, promising therapeutic opportunities for children after brain surgery. More research in this filed is needed to identify the most effective protocols for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Pia Rosaria Chieffo
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.L.); (V.A.); (F.M.)
- Department Women Children and Public Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Lino
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.L.); (V.A.); (F.M.)
| | - Valentina Arcangeli
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.L.); (V.A.); (F.M.)
| | - Federica Moriconi
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (F.L.); (V.A.); (F.M.)
| | - Paolo Frassanito
- Pediatric Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (P.F.); (L.M.); (G.T.)
| | - Luca Massimi
- Pediatric Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (P.F.); (L.M.); (G.T.)
- Department Ageing, Neurosciences Head Neck and Orthopedics Sciences, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianpiero Tamburrini
- Pediatric Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (P.F.); (L.M.); (G.T.)
- Department Ageing, Neurosciences Head Neck and Orthopedics Sciences, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy
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19
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Davidson P, Jönsson P, Johansson M. The association between mnemonic discrimination ability and differential fear learning. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2022; 75:101715. [PMID: 34959001 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2021.101715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES It is important to be able to learn which stimuli in our surroundings predict aversive outcomes. To maintain emotional well-being, it is similarly important to be able to learn which stimuli predict safety. The ability to discriminate between stimuli that predict danger and safety has been suggested to not only have an emotional component, but also a cognitive one. One such candidate mechanism is mnemonic discrimination (MD), the ability to differentiate between two memories that are similar but not identical. In the present study, we wanted to examine if MD performance helps to explain inter-individual differences in the ability to acquire a differentiated fear response during fear conditioning. METHODS Participants performed a task assessing MD ability, and then underwent a fear conditioning procedure. Fear responses were measured using skin conductance responses (SCRs). RESULTS Results revealed no support for MD ability being associated with to which degree a differentiated fear response was acquired, or with the time needed to acquire such a response. LIMITATIONS Our only outcome measurement was SCRs. Future studies need to include fear ratings, expectancy ratings and neural responses. Future studies also need to examine this using a stimulus material where the conditioned stimulus and the safety stimulus are more difficult to distinguish from each other. CONCLUSIONS If MD ability has a role in inhibiting overgeneralization of fear learning, this does not seem to be driven by MD already during the initial learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per Davidson
- Department of Psychology, Lund University, Box 213, 221 00, Lund, Sweden; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, CNY 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, CNY 149 13th Street, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA.
| | - Peter Jönsson
- School of Education and Environment, Centre for Psychology, Kristianstad University, Elmetorpsvägen 15, 298 88, Kristianstad, Sweden
| | - Mikael Johansson
- Department of Psychology, Lund University, Box 213, 221 00, Lund, Sweden
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20
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Ziegler DA, Anguera JA, Gallen CL, Hsu WY, Wais PE, Gazzaley A. Leveraging technology to personalize cognitive enhancement methods in aging. NATURE AGING 2022; 2:475-483. [PMID: 35873177 PMCID: PMC9302894 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-022-00237-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
As population aging advances at an increasing rate, efforts to help people maintain or improve cognitive function late in life are critical. Although some studies have shown promise, the question of whether cognitive training is an effective tool for improving general cognitive ability remains incompletely explored, and study results to date have been inconsistent. Most approaches to cognitive enhancement in older adults have taken a 'one size fits all' tack, as opposed to tailoring interventions to the specific needs of individuals. In this Perspective, we argue that modern technology has the potential to enable large-scale trials of public health interventions to enhance cognition in older adults in a personalized manner. Technology-based cognitive interventions that rely on closed-loop systems can be tailored to individuals in real time and have the potential for global testing, extending their reach to large and diverse populations of older adults. We propose that the future of cognitive enhancement in older adults will rely on harnessing new technologies in scientifically informed ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Ziegler
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Neuroscape, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Correspondence should be addressed to David A. Ziegler or Adam Gazzaley. ;
| | - Joaquin A. Anguera
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Neuroscape, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Courtney L. Gallen
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Neuroscape, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Wan-Yu Hsu
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Peter E. Wais
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Neuroscape, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Adam Gazzaley
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Neuroscape, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Physiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Correspondence should be addressed to David A. Ziegler or Adam Gazzaley. ;
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21
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Mastrogiorgio A, Zaninotto F, Maggi F, Ricciardi E, Lattanzi N, Malizia AP. Enhancing Organizational Memory Through Virtual Memoryscapes: Does It Work? Front Psychol 2021; 12:683870. [PMID: 34456795 PMCID: PMC8387558 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.683870] [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: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhancing cognitive memory through virtual reality represents an issue, that has never been investigated in organizational settings. Here, we compared a virtual memoryscape (treatment) – an immersive virtual environment used by subjects as a shared memory tool based on spatial navigation – with respect to the traditional individual-specific mnemonic tool based on the “method of loci” (control). A memory task characterized by high ecological validity was administered to 82 subjects employed by large banking group. Memory recall was measured, for both groups, immediately after the task (Phase 1) and one week later (Phase 2). Results show that (i) in Phase 1, the method of loci was more efficient in terms of recalling information than the to the virtual memoryscape; (ii) in Phase 2, there was no difference. Compared to the method of loci, the virtual memoryscape presents the advantages – relevant for organizations – of being collective, controllable, dynamic, and non-manipulable.
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22
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Hatchery enrichment accelerates use of land mark cue in route learning behaviour of climbing perch (Anabas testudineus Bloch 1792). LEARNING AND MOTIVATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lmot.2021.101732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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23
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Stark CEL, Clemenson GD, Aluru U, Hatamian N, Stark SM. Playing Minecraft Improves Hippocampal-Associated Memory for Details in Middle Aged Adults. Front Sports Act Living 2021; 3:685286. [PMID: 34291204 PMCID: PMC8287053 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2021.685286] [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: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Concerns are often raised about the impact that playing video games may have on cognition and behavior, whether gameplay is intense and protracted as with competitive Esports or whether it is more casual gameplay. Work in our lab and others, however, has shown that at least some classes of games can improve memory function. In particular, playing immersive 3D games that provide rich experiences and novelty improve memory on tasks that rely upon the hippocampus in effects that mirror the effects of “environmental enrichment” in numerous rodent studies. Our goal in the present study was to determine whether even modest amounts of gameplay (~30 min/day for 4 weeks) would result in improved memory performance in middle-aged adults. Not only is this demographic potentially highly receptive to gaming (they make up a significant portion of Esports viewers and of game players), but interventions in middle age may be a prime time for reducing later age-related cognitive decline. Here, we found that the benefits in middle age paralleled effects previously observed in young adults as playing Minecraft, showing improved memory performance on a hippocampal dependent memory task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig E L Stark
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Gregory D Clemenson
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Ujwal Aluru
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Nikki Hatamian
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Shauna M Stark
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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Salisbury JP. Using Medical Device Standards for Design and Risk Management of Immersive Virtual Reality for At-Home Therapy and Remote Patient Monitoring. JMIR BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2021; 6:e26942. [PMID: 38907371 PMCID: PMC11041430 DOI: 10.2196/26942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous virtual reality (VR) systems have received regulatory clearance as therapeutic medical devices for in-clinic and at-home use. These systems enable remote patient monitoring of clinician-prescribed rehabilitation exercises, although most of these systems are nonimmersive. With the expanding availability of affordable and easy-to-use head-mounted display (HMD)-based VR, there is growing interest in immersive VR therapies. However, HMD-based VR presents unique risks. Following standards for medical device development, the objective of this paper is to demonstrate a risk management process for a generic immersive VR system for remote patient monitoring of at-home therapy. Regulations, standards, and guidance documents applicable to therapeutic VR design are reviewed to provide necessary background. Generic requirements for an immersive VR system for home use and remote patient monitoring are identified using predicate analysis and specified for both patients and clinicians using user stories. To analyze risk, failure modes and effects analysis, adapted for medical device risk management, is performed on the generic user stories and a set of risk control measures is proposed. Many therapeutic applications of VR would be regulated as a medical device if they were to be commercially marketed. Understanding relevant standards for design and risk management early in the development process can help expedite the availability of innovative VR therapies that are safe and effective.
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Toth AJ, Frank C, Putrino D, Campbell MJ. Editorial: Progress in Computer Gaming and Esports: Neurocognitive and Motor Perspectives. Front Psychol 2021; 12:686152. [PMID: 33967930 PMCID: PMC8100197 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.686152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Adam J. Toth
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Lero, The Irish Software Research Centre, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Cornelia Frank
- Institute for Sport and Movement Sciences, University of Osnabrück, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - David Putrino
- Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mark J. Campbell
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Lero, The Irish Software Research Centre, Limerick, Ireland
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26
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Lino F, Arcangeli V, Chieffo DPR. The Virtual Challenge: Virtual Reality Tools for Intervention in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8040270. [PMID: 33915999 PMCID: PMC8065642 DOI: 10.3390/children8040270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
This narrative review highlights the latest achievements in the field of tele-rehabilitation: Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) serious games aimed at restoring and improving cognitive functions could be effectively used in Developmental Coordination Disorder Training. Studies investigating the effects of the abovementioned tech applications on cognitive improvement have been considered, following a comprehensive literature search in the scientific electronic databases: Pubmed, Scopus, Plos One, ScienceDirect. This review investigates the effects of VR and AR in improving space/motor skills through mental images manipulation training in children with developmental coordination disorders. The results revealed that in spite of the spreading of technology, actually only four studies investigated the effects of VR/AR tools on mental images manipulation. This study highlights new, promising VR and AR based therapeutic opportunities for digital natives now available, emphasizing the advantages of using motivational reward-oriented tools, in a playful therapeutic environment. However, more research in this filed is needed to identify the most effective virtual tool set for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Lino
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Memory Clinic, IRRCS Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, 00168 Roma, Italy;
| | - Valentina Arcangeli
- Clinical Psychology Unit, IRRCS Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, 00168 Roma, Italy;
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRRCS Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Daniela Pia Rosaria Chieffo
- Clinical Psychology Unit, IRRCS Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, 00168 Roma, Italy;
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRRCS Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, 00168 Roma, Italy
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, 00168 Roma, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +6-015-3364 or +63-015-3364; Fax: +6-015-5676 or +63-015-5676
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27
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Abichou K, La Corte V, Sperduti M, Gaston-Bellegarde A, Nicolas S, Piolino P. The production of false recognition and the associated state of consciousness following encoding in a naturalistic context in aging. Conscious Cogn 2021; 90:103097. [PMID: 33690048 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2021.103097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Using virtual reality, we implemented a naturalistic variant of the DRM paradigm in young and older adults to evaluate false recall and false recognition. We distinguished false recognition related to the highest semantic association (the critical lures), semantic similarity (i.e. items that belong to the same semantic category), and perceptual similarity (i.e. items that are similar, but not identical in terms of shape or color). The data revealed that younger adults recalled and recognized more correct elements than older adults did while the older adults intruded more critical items than younger adults. Both age groups produced false recognition related to the critical items, followed by perceptually and then semantically related items. False recognitions were highly recollective as they were mainly associated with a sense of remembering, even more so in older adults than in young adults. The decline of executive functions and working memory predicted age-related increases in false memories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kouloud Abichou
- Université de Paris, MC(2)Lab, F-92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, Ile de France, France.
| | - Valentina La Corte
- Université de Paris, MC(2)Lab, F-92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, Ile de France, France; Institute of Memory and Alzheimer's Disease, Department of Neurology, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Marco Sperduti
- Université de Paris, MC(2)Lab, F-92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, Ile de France, France
| | | | - Serge Nicolas
- Université de Paris, MC(2)Lab, F-92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, Ile de France, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
| | - Pascale Piolino
- Université de Paris, MC(2)Lab, F-92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, Ile de France, France; Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France.
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28
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Effects of excessive violent video game playing on verbal memory: an event-related brain potentials study. Cogn Process 2021; 22:487-500. [PMID: 33661449 DOI: 10.1007/s10339-021-01018-5] [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: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The goal of the study was to investigate temporal dynamics of excessive violent game playing. We compared behavioral data and event-related potentials (ERPs) of excessive video game players (EVGPs, n = 21) and non-players (NPs, n = 21) using a classical learning, cued recall and recognition paradigm, featuring violent and non-violent words. During the recognition phase, EVGPs performed better for violent words, but worse for non-violent words compared to NPs. Also, EVGPs showed slower reaction times than NPs when responding to new violent words. We found significant group differences in parietal P300 and FN400 amplitudes. The EVGP group showed larger P300 amplitudes for violent words, and more negative FN400 amplitudes for new violent words compared to NPs. The results imply that EVGPs differ from NPs in their cognitive and ERP responses to violent and non-violent verbal stimuli. The cognitive processes of EVGPs are consistent with a model of attention and memory bias rather than with desensitization to violence.
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29
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Virtual Reality for Neurorehabilitation and Cognitive Enhancement. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11020221. [PMID: 33670277 PMCID: PMC7918687 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11020221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Our access to computer-generated worlds changes the way we feel, how we think, and how we solve problems. In this review, we explore the utility of different types of virtual reality, immersive or non-immersive, for providing controllable, safe environments that enable individual training, neurorehabilitation, or even replacement of lost functions. The neurobiological effects of virtual reality on neuronal plasticity have been shown to result in increased cortical gray matter volumes, higher concentration of electroencephalographic beta-waves, and enhanced cognitive performance. Clinical application of virtual reality is aided by innovative brain–computer interfaces, which allow direct tapping into the electric activity generated by different brain cortical areas for precise voluntary control of connected robotic devices. Virtual reality is also valuable to healthy individuals as a narrative medium for redesigning their individual stories in an integrative process of self-improvement and personal development. Future upgrades of virtual reality-based technologies promise to help humans transcend the limitations of their biological bodies and augment their capacity to mold physical reality to better meet the needs of a globalized world.
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30
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Wais PE, Arioli M, Anguera-Singla R, Gazzaley A. Virtual reality video game improves high-fidelity memory in older adults. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2552. [PMID: 33510315 PMCID: PMC7844043 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82109-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic interventions have not yet been shown to demonstrate restorative effects for declining long-term memory (LTM) that affects many healthy older adults. We developed a virtual reality (VR) spatial wayfinding game (Labyrinth-VR) as a cognitive intervention with the hypothesis that it could improve detailed, high-fidelity LTM capability. Spatial navigation tasks have been used as a means to achieve environmental enrichment via exposure to and learning about novel and complex information. Engagement has been shown to enhance learning and has been linked to the vitality of the LTM system in the brain. In the current study, 48 older adults (mean age 68.7 ± 6.4 years) with average cognitive abilities for their age were randomly assigned to 12 h of computer game play over four weeks in either the Labyrinth-VR or placebo control game arms. Promptly before and after each participant's treatment regimen, high-fidelity LTM outcome measures were tested to assess mnemonic discrimination and other memory measures. The results showed a post-treatment gain in high-fidelity LTM capability for the Labyrinth-VR arm, relative to placebo, which reached the levels attained by younger adults in another experiment. This novel finding demonstrates generalization of benefits from the VR wayfinding game to important, and untrained, LTM capabilities. These cognitive results are discussed in the light of relevant research for hippocampal-dependent memory functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter E Wais
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscape and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, UCSF-MC0444, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
| | - Melissa Arioli
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscape and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, UCSF-MC0444, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Roger Anguera-Singla
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscape and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, UCSF-MC0444, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Adam Gazzaley
- Department of Neurology, Neuroscape and Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, UCSF-MC0444, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Departments of Physiology and Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
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31
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Plechatá A, Nekovářová T, Fajnerová I. What is the future for immersive virtual reality in memory rehabilitation? A systematic review. NeuroRehabilitation 2021; 48:389-412. [PMID: 33780377 DOI: 10.3233/nre-201534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing interest in non-pharmacological approaches aimed at cognitive rehabilitation and cognitive enhancement pointed towards the application of new technologies. The complex virtual reality (VR) presented using immersive devices has been considered a promising approach. OBJECTIVE The article provides a systematic review of studies aimed at the efficacy of VR-based rehabilitation. First, we shortly summarize literature relevant to the role of immersion in memory assessment and rehabilitation. METHODS We searched Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and PubMed with the search terms "memory rehabilitation", "virtual reality", "memory deficit". Only original studies investigating the efficacy of complex three-dimensional VR in rehabilitation and reporting specific memory output measures were included. RESULTS We identified 412 citations, of which 21 met our inclusion criteria. We calculated appropriate effect sizes for 10 studies including control groups and providing descriptive data. The effect sizes range from large to small, or no effect of memory rehabilitation was present, depending on the control condition applied. Summarized studies with missing control groups point out to potential positive effects of VR but do not allow any generalization. CONCLUSIONS Even though there are some theoretical advantages of immersive VE over non-immersive technology, there is not enough evidence yet to draw any conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adéla Plechatá
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
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32
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Prena K, Cheng H, Newman SD. Hippocampal Neurotransmitter Inhibition Suppressed During Gaming Explained by Skill Rather Than Gamer Status. Front Hum Neurosci 2020; 14:585764. [PMID: 33364929 PMCID: PMC7750522 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.585764] [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: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Goal-directed spatial decision making video games combine spatial mapping, memory, and reward; all of which can involve hippocampal excitation through suppression of an inhibitory neurotransmitter, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). In this study, GABA was measured before and after 30 min of video game play within a voxel around the hippocampus. It was predicted that all participants would experience a decrease in GABA during gaming as a result of in-game rewards; and, those who were most competitive with the goal-directed spatial decision making game would display lower hippocampal GABA concentrations after gaming. Those who were not competitive, because they were too skilled or not skilled enough, would demonstrate higher hippocampal GABA concentrations after gaming. While there were no significant differences in hippocampal GABA before and after gaming for gamers and non-gamers alike, there was a significant quadratic regression between performance on a spatial working memory task and post-gaming hippocampal GABA concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey Prena
- Emerging Media Studies, College of Communication, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Hu Cheng
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Sharlene D Newman
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States.,Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, United States
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33
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Cellini N, Mercurio M, Vanzetti V, Bergamo D, Sarlo M. Comparing the effect of daytime sleep and wakefulness on mnemonic discrimination. Physiol Behav 2020; 224:113078. [PMID: 32679133 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.113078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Sleep is considered the optimal state to consolidate hippocampal-dependent memories. A particular memory process is mnemonic discrimination. Mnemonic discrimination refers to the ability to differentiate between novel and previously encountered information. Previous studies have found that mnemonic discrimination is impaired by sleep deprivation, whereas nocturnal sleep seems to protect memory representations when compared to a similar period of wakefulness. In this study we tested whether a daytime nap can facilitate mnemonic discrimination as assessed by the Mnemonic Similarity Task. Thirty-eight participants performed incidental learning of 256 images of unique everyday items at about 12:00 PM. Fifteen minutes later, in a recognition test, they were presented with 192 images: 64 targets (Old), 64 foils (New) and 64 lures (Similar to targets). For each image they had to decide whether it was already presented, never presented, or similar to an image presented during the encoding session. Then participants were split into a Nap group (N=19), who had a 90-min nap opportunity in the lab, and a Wake group (N=19), who stayed in the lab playing a low-arousing game. At 3:00 PM all participants performed a delayed recognition test, similar to the immediate test but with different images. Similar memory discrimination was observed in both the Nap and Wake group. The lack of a beneficial effect of sleep could be due to the differences between diurnal and nocturnal sleep and/or the potential role of videogames in facilitating memory discrimination during wakefulness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Cellini
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131, Padova, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131, Padova, Italy; Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Via Giuseppe Orus 2, 35131, Padova, Italy; Human Inspired Technology Center, University of Padova, Via Luzzatti 4, 35121, Padova, Italy.
| | - Marco Mercurio
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Valentina Vanzetti
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Damiana Bergamo
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 35131, Padova, Italy.
| | - Michela Sarlo
- Department of Communication Sciences, Humanities and International Studies, University of Urbino, Urbino Via Saffi 15, 61029, Urbino, Italy.
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34
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Clemenson GD, Wang L, Mao Z, Stark SM, Stark CEL. Exploring the Spatial Relationships Between Real and Virtual Experiences: What Transfers and What Doesn't. FRONTIERS IN VIRTUAL REALITY 2020; 1:572122. [PMID: 37885756 PMCID: PMC10602022 DOI: 10.3389/frvir.2020.572122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Virtual environments are commonly used to assess spatial cognition in humans. For the past few decades, researchers have used virtual environments to investigate how people navigate, learn, and remember their surrounding environment. In combination with tools such as electroencephalogram, neuroimaging, and electrophysiology, these virtual environments have proven invaluable in their ability to help elucidate the underlying neural mechanisms of spatial learning and memory in humans. However, a critical assumption that is made whenever using virtual experiences is that the spatial abilities used in the navigation of these virtual environments accurately represents the spatial abilities used in the real-world. The aim of the current study is to investigate the spatial relationships between real and virtual environments to better understand how well the virtual experiences parallel the same experiences in the real-world. Here, we performed three independent experiments to examine whether spatial information about object location, environment layout, and navigation strategy transfers between parallel real-world and virtual-world experiences. We show that while general spatial information does transfer between real and virtual environments, there are several limitations of the virtual experience. Compared to the real-world, the use of information in the virtual-world is less flexible, especially when testing spatial memory from a novel location, and the way in which we navigate these experiences are different as the perceptual and proprioceptive feedback gained from the real-world experience can influence navigation strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory D. Clemenson
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Lulian Wang
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Zeqian Mao
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Shauna M. Stark
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Craig E. L. Stark
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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35
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Dohm-Hansen S, Johansson M. Mnemonic discrimination of object and context is differentially associated with mental health. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2020; 173:107268. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2020.107268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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36
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Rizzo A, Gambino G, Sardo P, Rizzo V. Being in the Past and Perform the Future in a Virtual World: VR Applications to Assess and Enhance Episodic and Prospective Memory in Normal and Pathological Aging. Front Hum Neurosci 2020; 14:297. [PMID: 32848672 PMCID: PMC7417675 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.00297] [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: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The process of aging commonly features a gradual deterioration in cognitive performance and, in particular, the decline of memory. Despite the increased longevity of the world’s population, the prevalence of neurodegenerative conditions, such as dementia, continues to be a major burden on public health, and consequently, the latest research has been focused on memory and aging. Currently, the failure of episodic and Prospective memory (PM) is one of the main complaints in the elderly, considered among the early symptoms of dementia. It is therefore increasingly important to define more clearly the boundaries between normal and pathological aging. Recently, researchers have begun to build and apply Virtual Environments (VE) to the explicit purpose of better understanding the performance of episodic and PM in complex and realistic contexts, with the perspective of further developing effective training procedures that depend on reliable cognitive assessment methods. Virtual technology offers higher levels of realism than “pen and paper” testing and at the same time more experimental control than naturalistic settings. In this mini-review article, we examine the outcomes of recently available studies on virtual reality technology applications developed for the assessment and improvement of episodic and/or PM. To consider the latest technology, we selected 29 articles that have been published in the last 10 years. These documents show that VR-based technologies can provide a valid basis for screening and treatment and, through increased sensory stimulation and enriched environments reproducing the scenarios of everyday life, could represent effective stimulating experiences even in pathological aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azzurra Rizzo
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostic, Università Degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuditta Gambino
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostic, Università Degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Pierangelo Sardo
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostic, Università Degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valerio Rizzo
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostic, Università Degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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37
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Hedderich DM, Avram M, Menegaux A, Nuttall R, Zimmermann J, Schneider SC, Schmitz-Koep B, Daamen M, Scheef L, Boecker H, Zimmer C, Baumann N, Bartmann P, Wolke D, Bäuml JG, Sorg C. Hippocampal subfield volumes are nonspecifically reduced in premature-born adults. Hum Brain Mapp 2020; 41:5215-5227. [PMID: 32845045 PMCID: PMC7670635 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Reduced global hippocampus volumes have been demonstrated in premature‐born individuals, from newborns to adults; however, it is unknown whether hippocampus subfield (HCSF) volumes are differentially affected by premature birth and how relevant they are for cognitive performance. To address these questions, we investigated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐derived HCSF volumes in very premature‐born adults, and related them with general cognitive performance in adulthood. We assessed 103 very premature‐born (gestational age [GA] <32 weeks and/or birth weight <1,500 g) and 109 term‐born individuals with cognitive testing and structural MRI at 26 years of age. HCSFs were automatically segmented based on three‐dimensional T1‐ and T2‐weighted sequences and studied both individually and grouped into three functional units, namely hippocampus proper (HP), subicular complex (SC), and dentate gyrus (DG). Cognitive performance was measured using the Wechsler‐Adult‐Intelligence‐Scale (full‐scale intelligence quotient [FS‐IQ]) at 26 years. We observed bilateral volume reductions for almost all HCSF volumes in premature‐born adults and associations with GA and neonatal treatment intensity but not birth weight. Left‐sided HP, SC, and DG volumes were associated with adult FS‐IQ. Furthermore, left DG volume was a mediator of the association between GA and adult FS‐IQ in premature‐born individuals. Results demonstrate nonspecifically reduced HCSF volumes in premature‐born adults; but specific associations with cognitive outcome highlight the importance of the left DG. Data suggest that specific interventions toward hippocampus function might be promising to lower adverse cognitive effects of prematurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis M Hedderich
- Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Technical University of Munich-NIC Neuroimaging Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Mihai Avram
- Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Technical University of Munich-NIC Neuroimaging Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Aurore Menegaux
- Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Technical University of Munich-NIC Neuroimaging Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Rachel Nuttall
- Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Technical University of Munich-NIC Neuroimaging Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Juliana Zimmermann
- Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Technical University of Munich-NIC Neuroimaging Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian C Schneider
- Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Technical University of Munich-NIC Neuroimaging Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Benita Schmitz-Koep
- Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Technical University of Munich-NIC Neuroimaging Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Marcel Daamen
- Functional Neuroimaging Group, Department of Radiology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lukas Scheef
- Functional Neuroimaging Group, Department of Radiology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Henning Boecker
- Functional Neuroimaging Group, Department of Radiology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Claus Zimmer
- Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Technical University of Munich-NIC Neuroimaging Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Nicole Baumann
- Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.,Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Peter Bartmann
- Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dieter Wolke
- Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.,Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Josef G Bäuml
- Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Technical University of Munich-NIC Neuroimaging Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Sorg
- Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Technical University of Munich-NIC Neuroimaging Center, Munich, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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38
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Clemenson GD, Stark SM, Rutledge SM, Stark CEL. Enriching hippocampal memory function in older adults through video games. Behav Brain Res 2020; 390:112667. [PMID: 32439346 PMCID: PMC7286064 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Healthy aging is accompanied by a steady cognitive decline with clear losses in memory. Animal studies have consistently demonstrated that simply modifying an animal's living environment (known as environmental enrichment) can have a positive influence on age-related cognitive decline in the hippocampus. Previously, we showed that playing immersive 3D video games can improve hippocampal-based memory in young healthy adults, suggesting that the exploration of the large open worlds of modern-day video games may act as proxy for environmental enrichment in humans. Here, we replicated our previous video game study in healthy older adults, showing that playing video games for four weeks can improve hippocampal-based memory in a population that is already experiencing age-related decline in memory. Furthermore, we showed that the improvements last for up to four weeks past the intervention, highlighting the potential of video games as intervention for age-related cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory D Clemenson
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, United States
| | - Shauna M Stark
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, United States
| | - Samantha M Rutledge
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, United States
| | - Craig E L Stark
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, United States.
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Smail MA, Smith BL, Nawreen N, Herman JP. Differential impact of stress and environmental enrichment on corticolimbic circuits. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2020; 197:172993. [PMID: 32659243 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.172993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Stress exposure can produce profound changes in physiology and behavior that can impair health and well-being. Of note, stress exposure is linked to anxiety disorders and depression in humans. The widespread impact of these disorders warrants investigation into treatments to mitigate the harmful effects of stress. Pharmacological treatments fail to help many with these disorders, so recent work has focused on non-pharmacological alternatives. One of the most promising of these alternatives is environmental enrichment (EE). In rodents, EE includes social, physical, and cognitive stimulation for the animal, in the form of larger cages, running wheels, and toys. EE successfully reduces the maladaptive effects of various stressors, both as treatment and prophylaxis. While we know that EE can have beneficial effects under stress conditions, the morphological and molecular mechanisms underlying these behavioral effects are still not well understood. EE is known to alter neurogenesis, dendrite development, and expression of neurotrophic growth factors, effects that vary by type of enrichment, age, and sex. To add to this complexity, EE has differential effects in different brain regions. Understanding how EE exerts its protective effects on morphological and molecular levels could hold the key to developing more targeted pharmacological treatments. In this review, we summarize the literature on the morphological and molecular consequences of EE and stress in key emotional regulatory pathways in the brain, the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala. The similarities and differences among these regions provide some insight into stress-EE interaction that may be exploited in future efforts toward prevention of, and intervention in, stress-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa A Smail
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States.
| | - Brittany L Smith
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Nawshaba Nawreen
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - James P Herman
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Department of Neurology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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Davidson P, Jönsson P, Johansson M. A daytime nap does not increase mnemonic discrimination ability. J Sleep Res 2020; 30:e13128. [PMID: 32557911 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13128] [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: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
It has been proposed that sleep readies the brain for novel learning, and previous work has shown that sleep loss impairs the ability to encode new memories. In the present study, we examined if a daytime nap would increase mnemonic discrimination (MD) performance. MD is the ability to differentiate between memories that are similar but not identical. Participants performed the Mnemonic Similarity Task (MST) twice, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. The goal of this task is to distinguish stimuli that have been seen before from novel stimuli that are similar but not identical. After the morning MST, participants were randomly allocated into either a sleep or a wake group. The sleep group had a 2-hr nap opportunity, whereas the wake group spent a similar amount of time passively resting. All participants then performed a second MST in the afternoon with a novel set of images. Results did not show any support for increased MD ability after a nap. There was, however, a correlation showing that an increase in sleepiness between sessions predicted a decrease in MD performance. Future work must systematically examine how strong sleep manipulations that are needed for sleep to have an effect on encoding ability, as well as which kind of memory tasks that are sensitive to sleep manipulations. More knowledge about the relationship between sleep and the ability to differentiate similar memories from each other is important because impaired MD ability has previously been reported in various groups in which sleep disturbances are also common.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per Davidson
- Department of Psychology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter Jönsson
- School of Education of Environment, Centre for Psychology, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden
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41
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Appleyard CB, Flores I, Torres-Reverón A. The Link Between Stress and Endometriosis: from Animal Models to the Clinical Scenario. Reprod Sci 2020; 27:1675-1686. [PMID: 32542543 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00205-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
There is strong evidence from humans and animal models showing that abnormal functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and/or the inflammatory response system disrupts feedback regulation of both neuroendocrine and immune systems, contributing to disease. Stress is known to affect the physiology of pelvic organs and to disturb the HPA axis leading to chronic, painful, inflammatory disorders. A link between stress and disease has already been documented for many chronic conditions. Endometriosis is a complex chronic gynecological disease associated with severe pelvic pain and infertility that affects 10% of reproductive-aged women. Patients report the negative impact of endometriosis symptoms on quality of life, work/study productivity, and personal relationships, which in turn cause high levels of psychological and emotional distress. The relationship between stress and endometriosis is not clear. Still, we have recently demonstrated that stress increases the size and severity of the lesions as well as inflammatory parameters in an animal model. Furthermore, the "controllability" of stress influences the pathophysiology in this model, offering the possibility of using stress management techniques in patients. The crosstalk between stress-inflammation-pain through HPA axis activity indicates that stress relief should alleviate inflammation and, in turn, decrease painful responses. This opens up the opportunity of altering brain-body-brain pathways as potential new therapeutic option for endometriosis. The goal of this review is to gather the research evidence regarding the interaction between stress (psychological and physiological) and the development and progression of endometriosis on the exacerbation of its symptoms with the purpose of proposing new lines of emerging research and possible treatment modalities for this still incurable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline B Appleyard
- Department of Basic Sciences, Women's Health Division, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA. .,Department of Internal Medicine, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA. .,Department of Basic Sciences, Physiology Division, Medical School and Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, 395 Zona Ind Reparada 2, Ponce, PR, 00716-2347, USA.
| | - Idhaliz Flores
- Department of Basic Sciences, Women's Health Division, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, USA
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The Effect of Physical Activity and the Use of Active Video Games: Exergames in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17124243. [PMID: 32545877 PMCID: PMC7344465 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17124243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to develop a systematic review on the relationship between the use of active video games “exergames” and the practice of physical activity. The Web of Science (WOS) repository was used as the main search engine, using as criteria the selection of longitudinal and experimental studies published in the last five years. A total of eight research papers were obtained, in which intervention programs based on the use of exergames were applied to improve different parameters, such as adherence to Physical Activity practice or improvement on a psychological level. As the main findings, it was possible to observe the need to include these types of devices in the classroom since they can work transversally across much content, and the resources are so accessible that they allow improvements at academic level. Likewise, they favor motivation to physical exercise since with adequate volume and intensity parameters, they are related to healthier lifestyles, and the areas of motor skills and logical thinking benefited the most.
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Kolarik BS, Stark SM, Stark CEL. Enriching Hippocampal Memory Function in Older Adults Through Real-World Exploration. Front Aging Neurosci 2020; 12:158. [PMID: 32581768 PMCID: PMC7286388 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.00158] [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: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related structural and functional changes in the hippocampus can have a severe impact on hippocampal-dependent memory performance. Here, we tested the hypothesis that a real-world spatial exploration and learning intervention would improve hippocampal-dependent memory performance in healthy older adults. We developed a scavenger hunt task that participants performed over the course of a 4-week behavioral intervention period. Following this intervention, participants’ lure discrimination index (LDI) on the Mnemonic Similarity Task was significantly higher than it was at baseline and greater than that of a No-Contact Control Group, while traditional recognition scores remained relatively unchanged. These results point to the viability of a spatial exploration intervention for improving hippocampal-dependent memory in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Branden S Kolarik
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Shauna M Stark
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Craig E L Stark
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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Lopatina OL, Morgun AV, Gorina YV, Salmin VV, Salmina AB. Current approaches to modeling the virtual reality in rodents for the assessment of brain plasticity and behavior. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 335:108616. [PMID: 32007483 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have become valuable tools to study brains and behaviors resulting in development of new methods of diagnostics and treatment. Neurodegenerаtion is one of the best examples demonstrating efficacy of VR/АR technologies in modern neurology. Development of novel VR systems for rodents and combination of VR tools with up-to-date imaging techniques (i.e. MRI, imaging of neural networks etc.), brain electrophysiology (EEG, patch-clamp), precise analytics (microdialysis) allowed implementing of VR protocols into the animal neurobiology to study brain plasticity, sensorimotor integration, spatial navigation, memory, and decision-making. VR/AR for rodents is а young field of experimental neuroscience and has already provided more consistent testing conditions, less human-animal interaction, opportunities to use a wider variety of experimental parameters. Here we discuss present and future perspectives of using VR/AR to assess brain plasticity, neurogenesis and complex behavior in rodent and human study, and their advantages for translational neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga L Lopatina
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University Named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia; Laboratory for Social Brain Studies, Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University Named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia.
| | - Andrey V Morgun
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University Named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia; Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University Named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Yana V Gorina
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University Named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia; Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University Named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Vladimir V Salmin
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University Named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia; Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University Named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Alla B Salmina
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University Named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia; Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University Named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
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45
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Toth AJ, Kowal M, Campbell MJ. The Color-Word Stroop Task Does Not Differentiate Cognitive Inhibition Ability Among Esports Gamers of Varying Expertise. Front Psychol 2019; 10:2852. [PMID: 31920879 PMCID: PMC6932966 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This study set out for the first time to identify whether gamers of low, intermediate, and elite skill level in a prominent esports game, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, demonstrated increasingly superior performance on a test of a specific cognitive skill (cognitive inhibition). Here we tested low, intermediate, and high ranked gamers and compared their performance on a color-word Stroop Task and also compared the performance of players in each gaming rank group to non-gamers. Contrary to our hypothesis, the Stroop Task did not differentiate significantly gamers of varying expertise. Although, we found that when considering both accuracy and response times, elite gamers performed significantly better than both intermediate and low ranked gamers on the simple choice reaction time condition and both elite and novice gamers performed significantly better than intermediate ranked gamers on the incongruent condition (a measure of cognitive inhibitory ability).
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Toth
- Lero Irish Software Research Centre, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Magdalena Kowal
- Lero Irish Software Research Centre, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Mark J Campbell
- Lero Irish Software Research Centre, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
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46
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Stark SM, Kirwan CB, Stark CEL. Mnemonic Similarity Task: A Tool for Assessing Hippocampal Integrity. Trends Cogn Sci 2019; 23:938-951. [PMID: 31597601 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2019.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The hippocampus is critical for learning and memory, relying in part on pattern separation processes supported by the dentate gyrus (DG) to prevent interference from overlapping memory representations. In 2007, we designed the Mnemonic Similarity Task (MST), a modified object recognition memory task, to be highly sensitive to hippocampal function by placing strong demands on pattern separation. The MST is now a widely used behavioral task, repeatedly shown to be sensitive to age-related memory decline, hippocampal connectivity, and hippocampal function, with specificity to the DG. Here, we review the utility of the MST, its relationship to hippocampal function, its utility in detecting hippocampal-based memory alterations across the lifespan, and impairments associated with clinical pathology from a variety of disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shauna M Stark
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - C Brock Kirwan
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Craig E L Stark
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
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47
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Hassevoort KM, Khan NA, Hillman CH, Cohen NJ. Differential development of relational memory and pattern separation. Hippocampus 2019; 30:210-219. [PMID: 31369174 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.23146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Researchers have taken a number of different approaches in their exploration of hippocampal function. One approach seeks to describe hippocampal function by probing the memory representations that the hippocampus supports. Another approach focuses on the role of the hippocampus in pattern separation and completion. Each of these approaches to understanding hippocampal function utilizes a distinct set of specialized tasks, and both of these task sets are known to be sensitive to changes in hippocampal function with age and disease status. But the question remains whether the tasks utilized in these two approaches tap into the same aspects of hippocampal function. We explored this question in the context of hippocampal development. Preadolescent children (N = 73) and young adults (N = 41) completed an identical battery of cognitive tasks consisting of a spatial reconstruction relational memory task, the mnemonic similarity task (MST)-an object-based pattern separation task, and a novel hybrid task-the Object Discrimination and Distribution (ODD) Task-designed to integrate and simultaneously tax pattern separation and spatial relational memory. Children did not demonstrate impairments in lure discrimination relative to young adults on either the object-based pattern separation task or for aspects of the ODD task that required pattern separation in the absence of relational memory demands but performed more poorly across aspects of tasks that required relational binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey M Hassevoort
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois.,Center for Brain Plasticity, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Naiman A Khan
- Department of Kinesiology & Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois.,Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Charles H Hillman
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, & Rehabilitation Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Neal J Cohen
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois.,Center for Brain Plasticity, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois.,Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
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48
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Starita F, Kroes MC, Davachi L, Phelps EA, Dunsmoor JE. Threat learning promotes generalization of episodic memory. J Exp Psychol Gen 2019; 148:1426-1434. [PMID: 30667260 PMCID: PMC6642861 DOI: 10.1037/xge0000551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The ability to generalize from and distinguish between aversive memories and novel experiences is critical to survival. Previous research has revealed mechanisms underlying generalization of threat-conditioned defensive responses, but little is known about generalization of episodic memory for threatening events. Here we tested if aversive learning influences generalization of episodic memory for threatening events in human adults. Subjects underwent Pavlovian threat-conditioning in which objects from one category were paired with a shock and objects from a different category were unpaired. The next day, subjects underwent a recognition memory test that included old, highly similar, and entirely novel items from the shock-paired and shock-unpaired object categories. Results showed that items highly similar to those from the object category previously paired with shock were mistaken for old items more often than items from the shock-unpaired category. This finding indicates that threat learning promotes generalization of episodic memory, and is consistent with the idea that threat generalization is an active process that may be adaptive for avoiding a myriad of potential threats following an emotional experience. Enhanced generalization of aversive episodic memories may be maladaptive, however, when old threat memories are inappropriately reactivated in harmless situations, exemplified in a number of stress- and anxiety-related disorders. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Starita
- Center for Studies and Research in Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, 40127, Italy
| | - Marijn C.W. Kroes
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, 6525 HR, The Netherlands
- New York University, Department of Psychology, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Lila Davachi
- Columbia University, Department of Psychology, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Phelps
- New York University, Department of Psychology, New York, NY 10003, USA
- Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
| | - Joseph E. Dunsmoor
- University of Texas at Austin, Department of Psychiatry, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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Grimm JW, Hyde J, Glueck E, North K, Ginder D, Jiganti K, Hopkins M, Sauter F, MacDougall D, Hovander D. Examining persistence of acute environmental enrichment-induced anti-sucrose craving effects in rats. Appetite 2019; 139:50-58. [PMID: 31002852 PMCID: PMC6556147 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2019.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
A single, overnight (acute) environmental enrichment (EE; a large environment with conspecifics and novel objects) experience robustly decreases sucrose consumption (taking) and responsiveness to sucrose-paired cues (seeking) in rats. Persisting effects of acute EE on sucrose seeking and taking have not yet been identified. In the present study, rats were trained to self-administer a 10% sucrose solution paired with a compound tone + light stimulus for 10 days in 2-h sessions. We then examined the persistence of acute EE effects at reducing sucrose seeking and taking in a 12-h test immediately following acute EE (Exp. 1), or for 7 days with daily 1-h tests immediately following acute EE, or after a 24-h delay (Exp. 2). We also examined the persistence of acute EE effects on sucrose taking in rats responding on a PR schedule in 7 daily sessions following acute EE (Exp. 3). We found that acute EE was effective at reducing responding for both sucrose and a sucrose-paired cue, persisting throughout the 12-h test (Exp. 1). A reduction in sucrose seeking persisted for 24 h and a reduction in sucrose taking persisted for 72 h following acute EE plus a 24-h delay prior to testing (Exp. 2). Decreased PR responding for sucrose was observed following acute EE; this reduction persisted for 48 h (Exp. 3). These findings indicate that acute exposure to EE has persisting effects at reducing sucrose seeking and taking in rats. Acute EE may have translational value as a non-pharmacological intervention to curb sucrose craving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey W Grimm
- Department of Psychology and Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, 98225-9172, USA.
| | - Jeff Hyde
- Department of Psychology and Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, 98225-9172, USA
| | - Edwin Glueck
- Department of Psychology and Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, 98225-9172, USA
| | - Katherine North
- Department of Psychology and Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, 98225-9172, USA
| | - Darren Ginder
- Department of Psychology and Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, 98225-9172, USA
| | - Kyle Jiganti
- Department of Psychology and Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, 98225-9172, USA
| | - Madeleine Hopkins
- Department of Psychology and Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, 98225-9172, USA
| | - Frances Sauter
- Department of Psychology and Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, 98225-9172, USA
| | - Derek MacDougall
- Department of Psychology and Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, 98225-9172, USA
| | - Dan Hovander
- Department of Psychology and Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, 98225-9172, USA
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50
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Environmental enrichment improves pain sensitivity, depression-like phenotype, and memory deficit in mice with neuropathic pain: role of NPAS4. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:1999-2014. [PMID: 30798405 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-5187-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Patients suffering from neuropathic pain have a higher incidence of depression and cognitive decline. Although environment enrichment (EE) may be effective in the treatment of neuropathic pain, the precise mechanisms underlying its actions remain determined. The aim of the study was to examine the molecular mechanisms underlying the EE's beneficial effects in mice with neuropathic pain. EE attenuated the pain threshold reduction, depression-like phenotype, and memory deficit in mice after chronic constriction injury (CCI). Furthermore, EE attenuated decreased neurogenesis and increased inflammation in the hippocampus of mice with neuropathic pain after CCI. Moreover, the suppression of adult hippocampal neurogenesis by temozolomide antagonized the beneficial effects of EE on depression-like phenotype and cognitive deficit in the mice with neuropathic pain. In addition, lipopolysaccharide-induced increase in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the hippocampus antagonized the beneficial effects of EE for these behavioral abnormalities in mice with neuropathic pain. Knock-down of NPAS4 (neuronal PAS domain protein 4) in the hippocampus by lentivirus targeting NPAS4 blocked these beneficial effects of EE in the mice with neuropathic pain. These all findings suggest that hippocampal NPAS4 plays a key role in the beneficial effects of EE on the pain sensitivity, depression-like phenotype, and memory deficit in mice with neuropathic pain. Therefore, it is likely that NPAS4 would be a new therapeutic target for perceptional, affective, and cognitive dimensions in patients with chronic pain.
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