scholarly journals Sub-Chronic Consumption of Dark Chocolate Enhances Cognitive Function and Releases Nerve Growth Factors: A Parallel-Group Randomized Trial

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 2800 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eri Sumiyoshi ◽  
Kentaro Matsuzaki ◽  
Naotoshi Sugimoto ◽  
Yoko Tanabe ◽  
Toshiko Hara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Dark Chocolate ◽  
Nerve Growth ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Modified Stroop ◽  
Parallel Group ◽  
Group Randomized Trial ◽  
Stroop Color Word Test ◽  
Young Subjects

Previous research has shown that habitual chocolate intake is related to cognitive performance and that frequent chocolate consumption is significantly associated with improved memory. However, little is known about the effects of the subchronic consumption of dark chocolate (DC) on cognitive function and neurotrophins. Eighteen healthy young subjects (both sexes; 20–31 years old) were randomly divided into two groups: a DC intake group (n = 10) and a cacao-free white chocolate (WC) intake group (n = 8). The subjects then consumed chocolate daily for 30 days. Blood samples were taken to measure plasma levels of theobromine (a methylxanthine most often present in DC), nerve growth factor (NGF), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and to analyze hemodynamic parameters. Cognitive function was assessed using a modified Stroop color word test and digital cancellation test. Prefrontal cerebral blood flow was measured during the tests. DC consumption increased the NGF and theobromine levels in plasma, enhancing cognitive function performance in both tests. Interestingly, the DC-mediated enhancement of cognitive function was observed three weeks after the end of chocolate intake. WC consumption did not affect NGF and theobromine levels or cognitive performance. These results suggest that DC consumption has beneficial effects on human health by enhancing cognitive function.

scholarly journals Associations between plasma nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors concentrations and cognitive function in people with HIV

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0253861
Author(s):  
Davide De Francesco ◽  
Xinzhu Wang ◽  
Laura Dickinson ◽  
Jonathan Underwood ◽  
Emmanouil Bagkeris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Trough Concentration ◽  
Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors ◽  
Plasma Exposure ◽  
Time Curve ◽  
Rank Regression ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Concentration Time ◽  
Z Scores

Objectives To investigate the associations of plasma lamivudine (3TC), abacavir (ABC), emtricitabine (FTC) and tenofovir (TFV) concentrations with cognitive function in a cohort of treated people with HIV (PWH). Methods Pharmacokinetics (PK) and cognitive function (Cogstate, six domains) data were obtained from PWH recruited in the POPPY study on either 3TC/ABC or FTC/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)-containing regimens. Association between PK parameters (AUC0-24: area under the concentration-time curve over 24 hours, Cmax: maximum concentration and Ctrough: trough concentration) and cognitive scores (standardized into z-scores) were evaluated using rank regression adjusting for potential confounders. Results Median (IQR) global cognitive z-scores in the 83 PWH on 3TC/ABC and 471 PWH on FTC/TDF were 0.14 (-0.27, 0.38) and 0.09 (-0.28, 0.42), respectively. Higher 3TC AUC0-24 and Ctrough were associated with better global z-scores [rho = 0.29 (p = 0.02) and 0.27 (p = 0.04), respectively], whereas higher 3TC Cmax was associated with poorer z-scores [rho = -0.31 (p<0.01)], independently of ABC concentrations. Associations of ABC PK parameters with global and domain z-scores were non-significant after adjustment for confounders and 3TC concentrations (all p’s>0.05). None of the FTC and TFV PK parameters were associated with global or domain cognitive scores. Conclusions Whilst we found no evidence of either detrimental or beneficial effects of ABC, FTC and TFV plasma exposure on cognitive function of PWH, higher plasma 3TC exposures were generally associated with better cognitive performance although higher peak concentrations were associated with poorer performance.

scholarly journals Expandability differences in learning transfer between computerized and non-computerized games

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maki Shigyo ◽  
Kaori Tamura ◽  
Tsuyoshi Okamoto
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Cognitive Training ◽  
Learning Transfer ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Cognitive Tasks ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Cognitive Transfer

AbstractComputerized and non-computerized games are used in training designed to improve cognitive function. However, it is unclear which properties of the games influence the transfer of cognitive performance. This study aimed to examine the expandability of this transfer according to the properties of training tools. We introduced two training tools (virtual and standard Rubik’s Cubes) and examined bidirectional transfer between the two cube types and transfer to other cognitive tasks. The results showed that transfer from the virtual cube to the standard cube was greater relative to that observed from the standard cube to the virtual cube. Regarding transfer to other tasks, cognitive transfer did not differ significantly between the virtual and standard cubes, but the training exerted beneficial effects. These results suggest that transfer expandability differed between computerized and non-computerized games. The findings of the study could contribute to the provision of an effective cognitive training programme.

Neurotrophins and cognitive functions in T1D compared with healthy controls: effects of a high-intensity exercise

2015 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cajsa Tonoli ◽  
Elsa Heyman ◽  
Luk Buyse ◽  
Bart Roelands ◽  
Maria Francesca Piacentini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Fitness Level ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Exercise Induced ◽  
Chronic Hyperglycaemia ◽  
Serum Bdnf

Exercise is known to have beneficial effects on cognitive function. This effect is greatly favored by an exercise-induced increase in neurotrophic factors, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), especially with high-intensity exercises (HIE). As a complication of type 1 diabetes (T1D), a cognitive decline may occur, mostly ascribed to hypoglycaemia and chronic hyperglycaemia. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of acute HIE on cognitive function and neurotrophins in T1D and matched controls. Ten trained T1D (8 males, 2 females) participants and their matched (by age, sex, fitness level) controls were evaluated on 2 occasions after familiarization: a maximal test to exhaustion and an HIE bout (10 intervals of 60 s at 90% of their maximal wattage followed by 60 s at 50 W). Cognitive tests and analyses of serum BDNF, IGF-1, and free insulin were performed before and after HIE and following 30 min of recovery. At baseline, cognitive performance was better in the controls compared with the T1D participants (p < 0.05). After exercise, no significant differences in cognitive performance were detected. BDNF levels were significantly higher and IGF-1 levels were significantly lower in T1D compared with the control group (p < 0.05) at all time points. Exercise increased BDNF and IGF-1 levels in a comparable percentage in both groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, although resting levels of serum BDNF and IGF-1 were altered by T1D, comparable increasing effects on BDNF and IGF-1 in T1D and healthy participants were found. Therefore, regularly repeating acute HIE could be a promising strategy for brain health in T1D.

Effects of a Group Program to Increase Cognitive Performance Through Cognitively Stimulating Leisure Activities in Healthy Older Subjects

GeroPsych ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentina A. Tesky ◽  
Christian Thiel ◽  
Winfried Banzer ◽  
Johannes Pantel
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Older Persons ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Leisure Activities ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
Group Program ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Older Subjects

To investigate the effects of leisure activities on cognitive performance of healthy older subjects, an innovative intervention program was developed. Frequent participation in cognitively stimulating activities (i.e., reading, playing chess, or playing music) is associated with reduced risk of dementia. AKTIVA (active cognitive stimulation – prevention in the elderly) is an intervention program designed to enhance cognitive stimulation in everyday life by increasing cognitive stimulating leisure activities. The present study determines the effects of AKTIVA on cognitive function, mood and attitude toward aging in a sample of older participants from the general population. Several measurement instruments were used including the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-Cog), the Trail-Making Test (TMT), and the Memory Complaint Questionnaire (MAC-Q). Initially, the sample consisted of 307 older persons (170 female, 72 ± 7 years). The intervention was evaluated with a randomized, controlled pre-post follow-up design. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: AKTIVA intervention (n = 126), AKTIVA intervention plus nutrition and exercise counseling (n = 84), no-intervention control group (n = 97). The AKTIVA intervention consisted of 8 weekly sessions and two booster sessions after a break of 4 months. Participation in the group program resulted in positive effects on cognitive function and attitude toward aging for subassembly groups. Older persons (≥ 75 years) showed enhanced speed of information processing (by TMT Version A) (F = 4.17*, p < .05); younger participants (< 75 years) showed an improvement in subjective memory decline (by MAC-Q) (F = 2.55*, p < .05). Additionally, AKTIVA enhanced the frequency of activities for leisure activities for subassembly groups. The results of this study suggest that the AKTIVA program can be used to increase cognitively stimulating leisure activities in the elderly. Further research is necessary to identify the long-term effects of this intervention particularly with respect to the prevention of dementia.

Sleep symptomatology is associated with greater subjective cognitive concerns: Findings from the community-based Healthy Brain Project

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Nicolazzo ◽  
Katharine Xu ◽  
Alexandra Lavale ◽  
Rachel Buckley ◽  
Nawaf Yassi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Sex Education ◽  
Severity Index ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Psychomotor Function ◽  
Community Based ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Insomnia Severity

Abstract Study objectives To examine if sleep symptomatology was associated with subjective cognitive concerns or objective cognitive performance in a dementia-free community-based sample. Methods A total of 1421 middle-aged participants (mean±standard deviation = 57±7; 77% female) from the Healthy Brain Project completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) to measure sleep quality, insomnia symptom severity, and daytime sleepiness, respectively. Participants were classified as having no sleep symptomatology (normal scores on each sleep measure), moderate sleep symptomatology (abnormal scores on one sleep measure), or high sleep symptomatology (abnormal scores on at least two sleep measures), using established cut-off values. Analysis of covariance was used to compare objective cognitive function (Cogstate Brief Battery) and subjective cognitive concerns (Modified Cognitive Function Instrument) across groups. Results Following adjustments for age, sex, education, mood, and vascular risk factors, persons classified as having high sleep symptomatology, versus none, displayed more subjective cognitive concerns (d=0.24) but no differences in objective cognitive performance (d=0.00-0.18). Subjective cognitive concerns modified the association between sleep symptomatology and psychomotor function. The strength of the relationship between high sleep symptomatology (versus none) and psychomotor function was significantly greater in persons with high as compared with low cognitive concerns (β±SE =-0.37±0.16; p=0.02). Conclusions More severe sleep symptomatology was associated with greater subjective cognitive concerns. Persons reporting high levels of sleep symptomatology may be more likely to display poorer objective cognitive function in the presence of subjective cognitive concerns.

scholarly journals Slow Wave Sleep and EEG Delta Spectral Power are Associated with Cognitive Function in Parkinson’s Disease

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Kimberly H. Wood ◽  
Adeel A. Memon ◽  
Raima A. Memon ◽  
Allen Joop ◽  
Jennifer Pilkington ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Slow Wave ◽  
Effect Size ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Slow Wave Sleep ◽  
Spectral Power ◽  
Z Scores ◽  
Domain Scores

Background: Cognitive and sleep dysfunction are common non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Objective: Determine the relationship between slow wave sleep (SWS) and cognitive performance in PD. Methods: Thirty-two PD participants were evaluated with polysomnography and a comprehensive level II neurocognitive battery, as defined by the Movement Disorders Society Task Force for diagnosis of PD-mild cognitive impairment. Raw scores for each test were transformed into z-scores using normative data. Z-scores were averaged to obtain domain scores, and domain scores were averaged to determine the Composite Cognitive Score (CCS), the primary outcome. Participants were grouped by percent of SWS into High SWS and Low SWS groups and compared on CCS and other outcomes using 2-sided t-tests or Mann-Whitney U. Correlations of cognitive outcomes with sleep architecture and EEG spectral power were performed. Results: Participants in the High SWS group demonstrated better global cognitive function (CCS) (p = 0.01, effect size: r = 0.45). In exploratory analyses, the High SWS group showed better performance in domains of executive function (effect size: Cohen’s d = 1.05), language (d = 0.95), and processing speed (d = 1.12). Percentage of SWS was correlated with global cognition and executive function, language, and processing speed. Frontal EEG delta power during N3 was correlated with the CCS and executive function. Cognition was not correlated with subjective sleep quality. Conclusion: Increased SWS and higher delta spectral power are associated with better cognitive performance in PD. This demonstrates the significant relationship between sleep and cognitive function and suggests that interventions to improve sleep might improve cognition in individuals with PD.

scholarly journals The beneficial effects of physical preoperative and postoperative training for the cognitive function in cardiosurgical patients

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
O Trubnikova ◽  
I Tarasova ◽  
E Moskin ◽  
Y Argunova ◽  
D Kupriyanova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Surgery ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Physical Training ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Aerobic Exercise Training ◽  
Funding Source ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Preoperative Training ◽  
Cabg Patients ◽  
Cycling Training

Abstract Background and aim The cardiac surgery patients have an increased risk of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). The positive healing effects of physical exercise was demonstrated early in patients with cognitive impairment. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of physical preoperative and postoperative training for the cognitive function in patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods We analyzed the neurophysiological data from 125 male coronary artery disease (CAD) patients who participated in two sub-studies: the patients with a short preoperative course of treadmill training (n=33) and with postoperative aerobic exercise training (n=92). The study of preoperative physical training included CABG-candidates, which were divided into 2 groups: with (n=17) and without training (n=16). The preoperative physical training consisted of a 5–7 day course of intensive training on a treadmill. The study with postoperative aerobic exercise training enrolled CAD patients, undergoing on-pump CABG, which were divided into 2 groups: with supervised cycling training (n=39) and without training (n=53). Three-week trainings course began on the 14-th day after CABG. The patients with and without preoperative and postoperative physical training were comparable in terms of preoperative characteristics and intraoperative parameters. The patients were underwent the neuropsychological and EEG examination to assess postoperative changes in neurophysiological performance. Results The patients with preoperative treadmill training had the POCD incidence at 7–10 days after GABG in 44% cases vs. 74% - in the group without training. The relative risk of POCD developing in the patients with preoperative training was: OR=0.24, 95% CI: 0.07–0.81, Z=2.297, p=0.02. Additionally, the patients with preoperative training demonstrated a lower power in the theta (4–6 Hz) and beta1 (13–20 Hz) frequency ranges 7–10 days after CABG. The patients with postoperative cycling training also demonstrated better cognitive function at 1 month after CABG compared to the patients without training. The incidence of POCD was 21% in the cycling training group vs. 44% – in the group without training. The relative risk of POCD developing was: OR=0.23, 95% CI: 0.09–0.60, Z=3.041, p=0.0024. Also, it was found that the postoperative cycling training group showed a lower percentage theta power increase at 1 month after CABG. Conclusion Both the short preoperative and three-week postoperative physical training course can produce beneficial effects on the postoperative neurophysiological status in CABG patients. The engagement of physical training in the rehabilitation program of CABG patients can improve cognitive functioning after cardiac surgery. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): RFBR and Kemerovskaya region

scholarly journals Interaction of clozapine with metformin in a schizophrenia rat model

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Horvath ◽  
G. Kis ◽  
G. Kekesi ◽  
A. Büki ◽  
L. G. Adlan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Negative Symptoms ◽  
Antipsychotic Drugs ◽  
D1 Receptor ◽  
Antidiabetic Drug ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Adjuvant Therapies ◽  
Behavioral Parameters ◽  
The Brain

AbstractThe low efficacy of antipsychotic drugs (e.g., clozapine) for negative symptoms and cognitive impairment has led to the introduction of adjuvant therapies. Because previous data suggest the procognitive potential of the antidiabetic drug metformin, this study aimed to assess the effects of chronic clozapine and metformin oral administration (alone and in combination) on locomotor and exploratory activities and cognitive function in a reward-based test in control and a schizophrenia-like animal model (Wisket rats). As impaired dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) function might play a role in the cognitive dysfunctions observed in patients with schizophrenia, the second goal of this study was to determine the brain-region-specific D1R-mediated signaling, ligand binding, and mRNA expression. None of the treatments affected the behavior of the control animals significantly; however, the combination treatment enhanced D1R binding and activation in the cerebral cortex. The Wisket rats exhibited impaired motivation, attention, and cognitive function, as well as a lower level of cortical D1R binding, signaling, and gene expression. Clozapine caused further deterioration of the behavioral parameters, without a significant effect on the D1R system. Metformin blunted the clozapine-induced impairments, and, similarly to that observed in the control animals, increased the functional activity of D1R. This study highlights the beneficial effects of metformin (at the behavioral and cellular levels) in blunting clozapine-induced adverse effects.

scholarly journals Effect of Cocoa and Cocoa Products on Cognitive Performance in Young Adults

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 3691
Author(s):  
María Angeles Martín ◽  
Luis Goya ◽  
Sonia de Pascual-Teresa
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Early Adulthood ◽  
Blood Oxygenation ◽  
Human Cognition ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Randomized Controlled Studies ◽  
Cocoa Products ◽  
Cocoa Flavanols

Increasing evidence support a beneficial role of cocoa and cocoa products on human cognition, particularly in aging populations and patients at risk. However, thorough reviews on the efficacy of cocoa on brain processes in young adults do not exist precisely due to the limited number of studies in the matter. Thus, the aim of this study was to summarize the findings on the acute and chronic effects of cocoa administration on cognitive functions and brain health in young adults. Web of Science and PubMed databases were used to search for relevant trials. Human randomized controlled studies were selected according to PRISMA guidelines. Eleven intervention studies that involved a total of 366 participants investigating the role of cocoa on cognitive performance in children and young adults (average age ≤25 years old) were finally selected. Findings from individual studies confirm that acute and chronic cocoa intake have a positive effect on several cognitive outcomes. After acute consumption, these beneficial effects seem to be accompanied with an increase in cerebral blood flow or cerebral blood oxygenation. After chronic intake of cocoa flavanols in young adults, a better cognitive performance was found together with increased levels of neurotrophins. This systematic review further supports the beneficial effect of cocoa flavanols on cognitive function and neuroplasticity and indicates that such benefits are possible in early adulthood.

scholarly journals Effects of between-person differences and within-person changes in symptoms of anxiety and depression on older age cognitive performance

2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (8) ◽  
pp. 1350-1358 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. J. Laukka ◽  
D. Dykiert ◽  
M. Allerhand ◽  
J. M. Starr ◽  
I. J. Deary
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Negative Mood ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Older Age ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Sample Mean ◽  
Assessment And Treatment ◽  
Lothian Birth Cohort

AbstractBackgroundAnxiety and depression are both important correlates of cognitive function. However, longitudinal studies investigating how they covary with cognition within the same individual are scarce. We aimed to simultaneously estimate associations of between-person differences and within-person variability in anxiety and depression with cognitive performance in a sample of non-demented older people.MethodsParticipants in the Lothian Birth Cohort 1921 study, a population-based narrow-age sample (mean age at wave 1 = 79 years, n = 535), were examined on five occasions across 13 years. Anxiety and depression were measured with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and cognitive performance was assessed with tests of reasoning, logical memory, and letter fluency. Data were analyzed using two-level linear mixed-effects models with within-person centering.ResultsDivergent patterns were observed for anxiety and depression. For anxiety, between-person differences were more influential; people who scored higher on HADS anxiety relative to other same-aged individuals demonstrated poorer cognitive performance on average. For depression, on the other hand, time-varying within-person differences were more important; scoring higher than usual on HADS depression was associated with poorer cognitive performance relative to the average level for that participant. Adjusting for gender, childhood mental ability, emotional stability, and disease burden attenuated these associations.ConclusionsThe results from this study highlight the importance of addressing both between- and within-person effects of negative mood and suggest that anxiety and depression affect cognitive function in different ways. The current findings have implications for assessment and treatment of older age cognitive deficits.

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