Computerized cognitive training (CCT) can improve cognition in older adults. However, specific programs for this target group have rarely been developed, and predictors of training success are largely unclear. In a ra...Computerized cognitive training (CCT) can improve cognition in older adults. However, specific programs for this target group have rarely been developed, and predictors of training success are largely unclear. In a randomized controlled pilot trial, we examined effects of a six-week CCT, tailored to the cognitive profile of healthy older adults (EG, n = 21) as compared to a nonspecific CCT (CG, n = 18) matched in frequency and intensity. No interaction effects between Group and Time were found. However, within-group analysis showed significant gains in verbal and non-verbal memory, executive and visuospatial functions and subjective cognitive concerns (SCC) in the EG, while the CG only benefitted in non-verbal memory and set-shifting. Low cognitive performance and lower SCC at baseline were the most consistent predictors of cognitive gains in the EG. Thus, CCTs specifically tailored to older adults seem advantageous compared to non-specific CCT. Further, we conclude that SCC may be related to reduced cognitive plasticity.展开更多
Background:IgG-class autoantibodies to N-Methyl-D-Aspartate(NMDA)-type glutamate receptors define a novel entity of autoimmune encephalitis.Studies examining the prevalence of NMDA IgA/IgM antibodies in patients with ...Background:IgG-class autoantibodies to N-Methyl-D-Aspartate(NMDA)-type glutamate receptors define a novel entity of autoimmune encephalitis.Studies examining the prevalence of NMDA IgA/IgM antibodies in patients with Parkinson disease with/without dementia produced conflicting results.We measured NMDA antibodies in a large,well phenotyped sample of Parkinson patients without and with cognitive impairment(n=296)and controls(n=295)free of neuropsychiatric disease.Detailed phenotyping and large numbers allowed statistically meaningful correlation of antibody status with diagnostic subgroups as well as quantitative indicators of disease severity and cognitive impairment.Methods:NMDA antibodies were analysed in the serum of patients and controls using well established validated assays.We used anti-NMDA antibody positivity as the main independent variable and correlated it with disease status and phenotypic characteristics.Results:The frequency of NMDA IgA/IgM antibodies was lower in Parkinson patients(13%)than in controls(22%)and higher than in previous studies in both groups.NMDA IgA/IgM antibodies were neither significantly associated with diagnostic subclasses of Parkinson disease according to cognitive impairment,nor with quantitative indicators of disease severity and cognitive impairment.A positive NMDA antibody status was positively correlated with age in controls but not in Parkinson patients.Conclusion:It is unlikely albeit not impossible that NMDA antibodies play a significant role in the pathogenesis or progression of Parkinson disease e.g.to Parkinson disease with dementia,while NMDA IgG antibodies define a separate disease of its own.展开更多
基金supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research under Grant 16SV5917.
文摘Computerized cognitive training (CCT) can improve cognition in older adults. However, specific programs for this target group have rarely been developed, and predictors of training success are largely unclear. In a randomized controlled pilot trial, we examined effects of a six-week CCT, tailored to the cognitive profile of healthy older adults (EG, n = 21) as compared to a nonspecific CCT (CG, n = 18) matched in frequency and intensity. No interaction effects between Group and Time were found. However, within-group analysis showed significant gains in verbal and non-verbal memory, executive and visuospatial functions and subjective cognitive concerns (SCC) in the EG, while the CG only benefitted in non-verbal memory and set-shifting. Low cognitive performance and lower SCC at baseline were the most consistent predictors of cognitive gains in the EG. Thus, CCTs specifically tailored to older adults seem advantageous compared to non-specific CCT. Further, we conclude that SCC may be related to reduced cognitive plasticity.
基金Intramural funding of the Dept.of Neurology,Kiel University.
文摘Background:IgG-class autoantibodies to N-Methyl-D-Aspartate(NMDA)-type glutamate receptors define a novel entity of autoimmune encephalitis.Studies examining the prevalence of NMDA IgA/IgM antibodies in patients with Parkinson disease with/without dementia produced conflicting results.We measured NMDA antibodies in a large,well phenotyped sample of Parkinson patients without and with cognitive impairment(n=296)and controls(n=295)free of neuropsychiatric disease.Detailed phenotyping and large numbers allowed statistically meaningful correlation of antibody status with diagnostic subgroups as well as quantitative indicators of disease severity and cognitive impairment.Methods:NMDA antibodies were analysed in the serum of patients and controls using well established validated assays.We used anti-NMDA antibody positivity as the main independent variable and correlated it with disease status and phenotypic characteristics.Results:The frequency of NMDA IgA/IgM antibodies was lower in Parkinson patients(13%)than in controls(22%)and higher than in previous studies in both groups.NMDA IgA/IgM antibodies were neither significantly associated with diagnostic subclasses of Parkinson disease according to cognitive impairment,nor with quantitative indicators of disease severity and cognitive impairment.A positive NMDA antibody status was positively correlated with age in controls but not in Parkinson patients.Conclusion:It is unlikely albeit not impossible that NMDA antibodies play a significant role in the pathogenesis or progression of Parkinson disease e.g.to Parkinson disease with dementia,while NMDA IgG antibodies define a separate disease of its own.
