Due to the growing number of older adults with cognitive impairment, it is essential to delay the onset and progression of cognitive decline and promote a healthy lifestyle. The rapid growth of ...technology has considerably advanced the field of computerized cognitive interventions. Consequently, traditional cognitive interventions are being adapted and new multimedia systems are being developed to encourage health and independent living in old age. The primary objective of this review was to identify cognitive stimulation, training and rehabilitation programs aimed at older people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. PsycINFO, Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science, PubMed, and CORDIS databases were searched from January 2008 to August 2018. Two researchers reviewed the potential studies individually for eligibility. Studies of computerized cognitive interventions for people with dementia and cognitive impairment were included if they clearly described objectives, users and functioning. A systematic review of the studies was carried out, providing a qualitative synthesis of the features and study characteristics of each software. Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria, and 11 different cognitive stimulation, training, and rehabilitation programs were identified. The studies found on cognitive intervention software indicate the existence of various technological programs for people with MCI and dementia. On the overall, the programs were aimed at people with different clinical conditions, able to create specific treatments and personalized training, optimized for portable devices, and user-friendly. However, the selected programs differ from each other in terms of objectives, usage mode and characteristics, even if they were used for the same purposes. Therefore, the information obtained in the review may be relevant to distinguish between programs and select the one that best suits each user. Thus, more information about the features and context of use is needed as well as more clinical studies to be able to compare among computerized cognitive programs.
Background: There are important cognitive issues in patients with epilepsy, which can be referred to as impairment in executive functions such as attention. Objectives: This research aims to compare ...the effectiveness of computer-based cognitive rehabilitation programs and task-oriented cognitive rehabilitation programs on attention in children with epilepsy in Tehran. Methods: The present research was a semi-experimental study with a pre-test and post-test design with a control group. The statistical population of the study included all children with epilepsy who were referred to the neurology clinic of Mofid Children's Hospital in 2021. Using the purposeful sampling method, 45 eligible children were included in the study and were randomly divided into 2 experimental groups and 1 control group (15 people in each group). The Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test (IVA2) of Sohlberg and Mateer (2001) was used for data collection. The experimental groups underwent the intervention of the computerized cognitive rehabilitation program of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test (1980) (12 sessions of 45 minutes) and the task-oriented cognitive rehabilitation program (12 sessions of 45 minutes). The control group did not receive any intervention. SPSS 20 software was used for data analysis. Univariate covariance analysis (ANCOVA) was performed using a significance level of 0.05. Results: The results demonstrated that both computer-based cognitive rehabilitation programs and task-based cognitive rehabilitation were effective in increasing the attention of epileptic children in Tehran (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the effectiveness of computer-based cognitive rehabilitation programs and task-based cognitive rehabilitation in increasing the attention of epileptic children (P = 0.67). Conclusions: It can be concluded that computer-based and task-oriented cognitive rehabilitation programs can be used to increase attention and executive functions in children with epilepsy.
Virtual reality (VR) is a promising tool to promote motor (re)learning in healthy users and brain-injured patients. However, in current VR-based motor training, movements of the users performed in a ...three-dimensional space are usually visualized on computer screens, televisions, or projection systems, which lack depth cues (2D screen), and thus, display information using only monocular depth cues. The reduced depth cues and the visuospatial transformation from the movements performed in a three-dimensional space to their two-dimensional indirect visualization on the 2D screen may add cognitive load, reducing VR usability, especially in users suffering from cognitive impairments. These 2D screens might further reduce the learning outcomes if they limit users’ motivation and embodiment, factors previously associated with better motor performance. The goal of this study was to evaluate the potential benefits of more immersive technologies using head-mounted displays (HMDs). As a first step towards potential clinical implementation, we ran an experiment with 20 healthy participants who simultaneously performed a 3D motor reaching and a cognitive counting task using: (1) (immersive) VR (IVR) HMD, (2) augmented reality (AR) HMD, and (3) computer screen (2D screen). In a previous analysis, we reported improved movement quality when movements were visualized with IVR than with a 2D screen. Here, we present results from the analysis of questionnaires to evaluate whether the visualization technology impacted users’ cognitive load, motivation, technology usability, and embodiment. Reports on cognitive load did not differ across visualization technologies. However, IVR was more motivating and usable than AR and the 2D screen. Both IVR and AR rea ched higher embodiment level than the 2D screen. Our results support our previous finding that IVR HMDs seem to be more suitable than the common 2D screens employed in VR-based therapy when training 3D movements. For AR, it is still unknown whether the absence of benefit over the 2D screen is due to the visualization technology per se or to technical limitations specific to the device.
•MS presents a broad range of symptoms, including sensory-motor, cognitive and behavioral ones.•Neurorehabilitation programs are aimed at reducing the disabilities due to MS.•VR is a motivational and ...effective tool that could improve the traditional motor and cognitive rehabilitation trainings.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating neurodegenerative disease with lesions involving the central nervous system. Clinical symptoms consist of disturbances in motor activity (e.g., weakness, spasticity, and tremor), sensory functioning (e.g., pain), visual functions (e.g., diplopia and optic neuritis), besides different cognitive (attention deficit and executive dysfunction) and behavioral abnormalities. This review aims to evaluate the role of VR tools in cognitive and motor rehabilitation of MS patients. Studies performed between 2010 and 2017 and fulfilling the selected criteria were searched on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane and Web of Sciences databases, by combining the terms “VR rehabilitation” and “MS”. Our findings showed that, following the use of VR training, MS patients presented a significant improvement in motor (especially gait and balance) and cognitive function (with regard to executive and visual-spatial abilities, attention and memory skills). This review supports the idea that rehabilitation through new VR tools could positively affect MS patients’ outcomes, by boosting motivation and participation with a better response to treatment.
The objective of this study is to evaluate a change of cerebral perfusion of patients with chronic neuropsychological impairments (NPIs) before and after a daytreatment group rehabilitation, using ...99mTc-ethylcysteinate dimer single photon emission computed tomography (Tc-ECD SPECT) and its novel analytic software.
Eight patients were examined in the chronic period of acquired brain injury with NPIs. All patients received a daytreatment group rehabilitation (3hours once per week for half a year). The group rehabilitation included patient and family education, mindfulness exercise and group discussion exercise. The examinations of patients were performed before and after the group rehabilitation, and it included the assessment of neurological deficit, cognitive functions, and Tc-ECD SPECT. Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) was applied to each Tc-ECD SPECT image, for spatial pre-processing and analysis and to determine the quantitative perfusion change before and after the group intervention (paired t-test, uncorrected, P<0.001).
SPM analysis of Tc-ECD SPECT showed the significant improvement of cerebral perfusion in right frontal lobe (Brodmann area 10) before and after the group rehabilitation. There was no significant improvement in cognitive functions as assessed with structured batteries for NPIs, while there was a trend towards the improvement behaviorally (for example, 6 patients had been able to rework after the intervention).
Using Tc-ECD SPECT and its novel analytic software, we identified specific lesions with improvement of cerebral perfusion before and after the daytreatment group rehabilitation for NPIs. It might relate with social reintegration of patient with NPIs.
Abstract
The number of randomized, controlled studies of cognitive remediation (CR) for schizophrenia, a therapeutic approach designed to improve cognitive skills and function, has grown ...substantially over the past 20 years. Active elements of CR treatment, however, remain unknown. The current meta-analysis investigated treatment, study, and participant factors in the size of observed treatment effects. Electronic databases were searched up to May 2020 using variants of the key words “cognitive remediation,” “clinical trials,” and “schizophrenia.” This search produced 73 unique, randomized, controlled trials. Data were independently extracted by 3 reviewers with excellent reliability. Random-effects models were used to assess primary cognitive and secondary symptom and functional outcomes. Moderator analyses investigated the role of a variety of treatment, study, and participant factors. The meta-analysis (4594 participants) revealed that CR produced significant small-to-moderate size improvements in all domains of cognition studied (Hedge’s gs = .19–.33). and a significant small improvement in function (Hedge’s g = .21). CR programs that included a discussion (“bridging”) group to help apply acquired cognitive skills to everyday life produced larger effects on global cognition and verbal memory. CR programs with strategy-coaching produced larger effects on episodic memory. Sample age, gender, positive, negative, and overall symptoms, and medication dose did not serve as barriers to treatment gains. CR produces small-to-moderate improvements in cognition and function in schizophrenia. Programs of CR that utilize bridging groups and strategy-coaching are more cognitively potent. Future research should focus on ways to modify CR to bolster generalization of cognitive improvements to function.
Aging is a life stage in which progressive deterioration occurs in biological, psychological, and socio-cultural processes. Therefore, along with all the other changes observed in aging, cognitive ...change is inevitable. In older adulthood, the speed of processing information, the ability to remember contextual information such as where and when events occur, and executive function performance are impaired. Moreover, this change in cognitive processes causes the deterioration of functionality in daily life. Although it is well known that physical activity, nutrition, and social support play a key role in preventing the adverse effects of aging, the impact of cognitive training and rehabilitation have been relatively less studied. This review aims to examine cognitive training and rehabilitation practices applied to different cognitive processes (episodic memory, working memory, executive functions, attention and processing speed) to help compensate for or regain cognitive functions that are impaired in older adults. In this context, the effectiveness of the practices, the transfer of gains to different cognitive areas, and whether they are preserved for long periods were examined. The contribution of conscious and systematic practices, such as cognitive training and rehabilitation, in reducing the adverse effects of aging has been discussed.
Yaşlılık; biyolojik, psikolojik ve sosyo-kültürel süreçlerde ortaya çıkan ve giderek artan bozulmaların görüldüğü bir yaşam evresidir. Bu nedenle yaşlanmada gözlenen diğer tüm değişimlerle birlikte bilişsel değişim de kaçınılmazdır. İleri yetişkinlikte bilgileri işleme hızı, olayların nerede ve ne zaman gerçekleştiği gibi bağlamsal bilgileri hatırlama becerisi ve yönetici işlev performansı zayıflamaktadır. Üstelik bilişsel süreçlerdeki bu değişim, gündelik yaşamdaki işlevselliğin bozulmasına neden olmaktadır. Yaşlanmanın olumsuz etkilerinden korunmada fiziksel aktivite, beslenme ve sosyal desteğin anahtar rol oynadığı iyi bilinmekle birlikte bilişsel egzersiz ve rehabilitasyonların etkisi görece daha az araştırılmıştır. Bu derlemenin amacı, ileri yetişkinlerde bozulan bilişsel işlevlerin telafi edilmesine ya da belirli ölçülerde yeniden kazanılmasına yardımcı olmak için farklı bilişsel süreçlere (epizodik bellek, çalışma belleği, yönetici işlevler, dikkat, işleme hızı) yönelik uygulanan bilişsel egzersiz ve rehabilitasyon uygulamalarını incelemektir. Bu kapsamda uygulamaların etkinliği, kazanımların farklı bilişsel alanlara aktarımı ve uzun süreler korunup korunmadığı incelenmiş; bilişsel egzersiz ve rehabilitasyon gibi bilinçli ve sistematik uygulamaların yaşlanmanın olumsuz etkilerini azaltmadaki katkısı tartışılmıştır.
Introducción: La terapia de rehabilitación cognitiva TRC promete ser una alternativa eficaz en los tratamientos del trastorno por uso de sustancias (TUS). Existe evidencia de su uso en el ...mejoramiento de las condiciones cognitivas deterioradas por el consumo, mayor adherencia al tratamiento, aumenta los índices de abstinencia y contribuye al restablecimiento de las funciones ejecutivas pérdidas. Sin embargo, no se tiene conocimiento sobre su impacto en la reinserción social y familiar del individuo. Objetivo: La presente busca identificar los aportes de la TRC en el trata- miento de las adicciones sobre los procesos de reintegración social y familiar. Método: Se utilizaron las bases de datos EBSCOHOST, SCOPUS, SCIENCEDIRECT, APA &TAYLOR AND FRANCIS, y se implementó la estrategia de revisión docu- mental sistematizada, 44 artículos cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Resultados: Existe evidencia significativa sobre la efectividad de los entrenamientos en TRC como mejoría en el autocontrol y habilidades sociales, emociona- les y cognitivas que contribuyen positivamente en la funcionalidad de la persona. Conclusiones: La TRC aumenta las posibilidades de empleabilidad y ayuda en el entendimiento familiar del TCS. Se considera entonces que la TRC podría generar una alternativa viable en el tratamiento del TCS. Palabras Clave: Rehabilitación Cognitiva, Reinserción Social y Familiar, Adicciones.
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