Search Results (83)

With the growing prevalence of bilingual education, second language (L2) reading impairment has garnered increasing attention. While extensive research has focused on reading impairment in the first language (L1), the neural mechanisms underlying L2 reading impairment have not been systematically and adequately explored. Neuroimaging studies have identified functional abnormalities in regions such as the occipitotemporal and temporoparietal cortices in children with L2 reading impairment. These neural patterns exhibit both commonalities and differences compared to those observed in L1 reading impairment. In this review, we summarized the neurocognitive characteristics of reading impairment in a L2 by comparing them with those in L1. Additionally, we proposed potential mechanisms driving these cross-linguistic differences and commonalities. Finally, we highlighted directions for future research to advance the neurocognitive understanding of L2 reading impairment. Full article

Background: Chronic pain affects nearly one in five adults worldwide and is increasingly recognized not only as a disease but as a potential risk factor for neurocognitive decline and dementia. While some evidence supports this association, existing systematic reviews are static and rapidly outdated, and none have leveraged advanced methods for continuous updating and robust uncertainty modeling. Objective: This protocol describes a living systematic review with dose–response Bayesian meta-analysis, enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI) tools, to synthesize and maintain up-to-date evidence on the prospective association between any type of chronic pain and subsequent cognitive decline. Methods: We will systematically search PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and preprint servers for prospective cohort studies evaluating chronic pain as an exposure and cognitive decline as an outcome. Screening will be semi-automated using natural language processing models (ASReview), with human oversight for quality control. Bayesian hierarchical meta-analysis will estimate pooled effect sizes and accommodate between-study heterogeneity. Meta-regression will explore study-level moderators such as pain type, severity, and cognitive domain assessed. If data permit, a dose–response meta-analysis will be conducted. Living updates will occur biannually using AI-enhanced workflows, with results transparently disseminated through preprints and peer-reviewed updates. Results: This is a protocol; results will be disseminated in future reports. Conclusions: This living Bayesian systematic review aims to provide continuously updated, methodologically rigorous evidence on the link between chronic pain and cognitive decline. The approach integrates innovative AI tools and advanced meta-analytic methods, offering a template for future living evidence syntheses in neurology and pain research. Full article

Objectives: Neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) refer to a broad spectrum of conditions characterized by declining cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, language, and executive abilities. It is estimated that up to half of patients affected by NCDs remain undiagnosed or are diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease. This study aimed to analyze the utility of subclinical organ damage markers, which could be used in primary care for the detection and prevention of NCD. Methods: The study participants (n = 137) completed neuropsychological tests (Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination/ACE and Mini-Mental State Examination/MMSE), a sociodemographic survey, an interview on past illnesses, and had their ankle-brachial index (ABI) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) values measured. Results: Based on the MMSE test, 26 participants (19.0%) were diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and 8 participants (5.8%) with NCDs. The study found that lower ABI values were associated with worse cognitive performance, suggesting that the ABI may be a useful tool for identifying individuals at increased risk of NCDs, while PWV cannot be used as a predictor for this group of diseases. Conclusions: Lower ABI values were associated with reduced cognitive performance, whereas PWV showed no significant relationship. The secondary findings suggest that physical activity, regular computer use, and better mental well-being were linked to improved cognitive outcomes. A low ABI value could potentially serve as a predictor of cognitive disorders, and as a diagnostic tool that is easily accessible and quick, it may improve diagnostics and the overall health of primary care patients. Health education regarding modifiable risk factors for dementia is also of crucial importance. Full article

Language, a uniquely human cognitive faculty, is fundamentally characterized by its capacity for complex thoughts and structured expressions. This review examines two critical measures of linguistic performance: idea density (ID) and grammatical complexity (GC). ID quantifies the richness of information conveyed per unit of language, reflecting semantic efficiency and conceptual processing. GC, conversely, measures the structural sophistication of syntax, indicative of hierarchical organization and rule-based operations. We explore the neurobiological underpinnings of these measures, identifying key brain regions and white matter pathways involved in their generation and comprehension. This includes linking ID to a distributed network of semantic hubs, like the anterior temporal lobe and temporoparietal junction, and GC to a fronto-striatal procedural network encompassing Broca’s area and the basal ganglia. Moreover, a central theme is the integration of Chomsky’s theories of Universal Grammar (UG), which posits an innate human linguistic endowment, with their neurobiological correlates. This integration analysis bridges foundational models that first mapped syntax (Friederici’s work) to distinct neural pathways with contemporary network-based theories that view grammar as an emergent property of dynamic, inter-regional neural oscillations. Furthermore, we examine the genetic factors influencing ID and GC, including genes implicated in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. A comparative anatomical perspective across human and non-human primates illuminates the evolutionary trajectory of the language-ready brain. Also, we emphasize that, clinically, ID and GC serve as sensitive neurocognitive markers whose power lies in their often-dissociable profiles. For instance, the primary decline of ID in Alzheimer’s disease contrasts with the severe grammatical impairment in nonfluent aphasia, aiding in differential diagnosis. Importantly, as non-invasive and scalable metrics, ID and GC also provide a critical complement to gold-standard but costly biomarkers like CSF and PET. Finally, the review considers the emerging role of AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP) in automating these linguistic analyses, concluding with a necessary discussion of the critical challenges in validation, ethics, and implementation that must be addressed for these technologies to be responsibly integrated into clinical practice. Full article

Background: There is considerable evidence that breast feeding has a beneficial effect on the neurocognition of a child. However, most studies have confined their attention to the Intelligence Quotient (IQ), tending to ignore other aspects of neurodevelopment. Methodology: Here we present the relationship between breast feeding for at least 6 months with 373 neurocognitive outcomes measured from infancy through to late adolescence using data collected in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). We first examined unadjusted regression associations with breast feeding at age 6 months. Where the unadjusted p-value was < 0.0001 (n = 152 outcomes), we adjusted for social and other factors. Results: This resulted in 42 outcomes with adjusted associations at p < 0.001. Specifically, these included associations with full-scale IQ at ages 8 and 15 years (adjusted mean differences [95% confidence interval (CI)] +4.11 [95% CI 2.83, 5.39] and +5.12 [95% CI 3.57, 6.67] IQ points, respectively, compared to not breastfeeding for 6 months). As well as the components of IQ, the other phenotypes that were strongly related to breast feeding for at least 6 months were measures of academic ability (reading, use of the English language and mathematics). In accordance with the literature, we show that children who are breast fed are more likely to be right-handed. The one association that has not been recorded before concerned aspects of pragmatic speech at 9 years where the children who had been breast fed were shown to perform more appropriately. Conclusions: We conclude that breast feeding for at least 6 months has beneficial effects on a number of neurocognitive outcomes that are likely to play a major part in the offspring’s future life course. We point out, however, the possibility that by using such stringent p-value criteria, other valid associations may have been ignored. Full article

Foreign Language Syndrome (FLS) is a rare neuropsychiatric condition characterized by the sudden, involuntary use of a non-native language, with concurrent loss or suppression of the native language. Distinct from Foreign Accent Syndrome (FAS), FLS often arises acutely following anesthesia, brain injury, or psychological stress. Although neuroimaging typically reveals no structural pathology, functional disconnection within bilingual language control systems has been hypothesized. Case reports suggest contributions from both neurological disruptions—such as transient cortical dysfunction—and psychiatric mechanisms, including dissociation and conversion phenomena. This review synthesizes the clinical features, diagnostic strategies, neurocognitive models, and psychiatric interpretations of FLS. It emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment and outlines prognosis patterns. The need for longitudinal follow-up, functional imaging studies, and centralized case databases is highlighted to better understand the pathophysiology and clinical management of this enigmatic syndrome. Full article

Apolipoprotein E (APOE) allele 4 (APOE4), one of the robust genetic risk factors for AD, has also been associated with cognitive decline in terms of memory, executive function, language, and global cognitive function. APOE genotype-stratified analysis can help to identify additional genetic loci which might be masked due to a strong effect of APOE4. We conducted a genome-wide meta-analysis in APOE2 carriers, APOE4 carriers, and APOE 3/3 homozygote groups among 2969 non-Hispanic Whites aged ≥ 65 years using slopes of decline over time across five cognitive domains (attention, language, executive function, memory, and visuospatial function) and global cognitive function. We identified novel genome-wide significant associations for decline in global cognitive function in the intergenic region between RNU7-66P/RNA5SP208 at rs116379916 (p = 1.44 × 10⁻⁹) in the APOE 3/3 group and for decline in language in the intergenic region between LINC0221/DTWD2 at rs13187183 (p = 3.79 × 10⁻⁸) in APOE4 carriers. A previously reported locus for decline in attention near RASEF at rs6559700 (p = 9.95 × 10⁻⁹) was found to be confined to the APOE 3/3 group. We also found two sub-threshold significant associations in the APOE 2 group for decline in attention (IL1RL2/rs77127114; p = 8.64 × 10⁻⁸) and decline in language (YTHDC2/KCNN2, rs116191836; p = 5.66 × 10⁻⁸). Our study points to potential biological pathways pertaining to specific domains within each APOE genotype group, and the findings suggest that immune-related pathways, plasma levels of polysaturated fatty acids, and bitter taste receptors may play roles in cognitive decline. Our findings enhance the understanding of cognitive aging and provide a framework for future studies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Neurocognitive disorders (NCDs) encompass a spectrum of conditions that significantly impact cognitive domains, including attention, memory, and language. Mild NCD, increasingly prevalent with aging, represents an early stage of these disorders, characterized by cognitive deficits that do not interfere with daily functioning. Non-pharmacological therapies, especially cognitive stimulation, are widely recommended to preserve cognitive function of older adults. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-week individual cognitive stimulation (iCS) program on cognitive performance, mood, and prefrontal cortex activation in older adults with mild NCD using a single-blind, randomized, parallel two-arm RCT. Methods: A sample of 36 older adults were selected from a central region of Portugal. The intervention group (n = 18) received 24 iCS sessions, twice weekly for 12 weeks. The control group (n = 18) completed their regularly scheduled activities. Outcomes included global cognitive function, executive functioning, and mood. All participants were assessed at baseline and after the intervention. Functional near infra-red spectroscopy (fNIRS) was also collected to measure prefrontal cortex activity at both time points in the intervention group. Results: The intervention group showed a significant improvement in global cognition and executive functions, and reduced depressive symptomatology compared to the control group. fNIRS data revealed enhanced activation and functional efficiency in the lateral prefrontal cortex following the iCS program. Adherence and degree of collaboration to the intervention were very high. Conclusions: These findings suggest that iCS is an effective approach to improving cognitive function and mood in mildly cognitively impaired older adults. Full article

Bipolar disorder (BD) may present with neurocognitive dysfunction due to inflammatory alterations through different biological pathways. However, findings are not consistent regarding the patterns of neurocognitive dysfunction and elevation of inflammatory biomarkers during the different mood phases. Therefore, we aimed to determine associations between inflammatory biomarkers, neurocognitive functioning, and clinical outcomes in patients with BD in euthymia. We conducted a cross-sectional study including 109 adults. Serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), neurocognitive parameters (ACER), number of suicide attempts (SA), and hospitalizations (NH) were measured. We found negative and moderate correlations between IL-6 and ACER total score, language, visuospatial abilities, and orientation/attention. There was a positive and moderate correlation between IL-6 and NH. IL-6 significantly predicted ACER total score, language, memory, orientation/attention, visuospatial abilities, and NH. Overall, IL-6 had an inverse association with neurocognition and clinical variables, whereas hs-CRP did not play a role. Here we demonstrate that IL-6 predicts neurocognitive functioning in adults with BD. BD may be a biological model for studying the relationship between inflammation and neurocognition in severe psychiatric disorders. Prospective studies at different mood phases of the disease must be conducted. Full article

Background: The prevalence of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) remains high despite antiretroviral treatment (ART). Changes in gut microbiota and persistent immune activation have been suggested as possible causes, while the role of probiotic supplementation remains controversial. Methods: We included subjects with mild HAND and successful ART. They were randomized to receive either 6 months of high-dose probiotic supplementation or to continue with only ART. Immune activation markers and neuropsychological testing were performed at baseline and the end of follow-up. Neuropsychological testing assessed learning, episodic memory, attention/concentration, executive functions, language, information processing speed, and motor skills. Z- and T-scores were calculated for all domains but motor skills, allowing the measurement of the global deficit score (GDS). The trajectories of neuropsychological performances and immune activation markers were compared between groups. Results: From September 2020 to July 2021, 31 PWHs were included (median age 62, 73% men, CD4 744 cc/mm³), and 28 completed the 6-month follow-up. The characteristics of the subjects and their neuropsychological performance at baseline in the two groups were similar. At the end of follow-up, probiotics did not have any impact on immune activation markers, while they were associated with better improvement in GDS (T-score 0.0 in controls vs. −0.3 in probiotics, p = 0.048) and the attention/concentration test (Z-score 0.4 in controls vs. 1.2 in probiotics, p = 0.035). Conclusions: Oral supplementation with high-dose probiotics for 6 months did not affect systemic immune activation but was associated with improved neurocognitive performance, suggesting benefits from probiotic supplementation for mild HAND. Full article

This study provides a bibliometric analysis of polarity sensitivity research from 1980 to 2023, examining intellectual structure, collaboration patterns, and emerging trends. Analysing 835 documents using Bibliometrix (V.4.1.0), CiteSpace (V.6.1.R6), and VOSviewer (V1.6.18), we identify three evolutionary phases: (1) foundational theoretical development (1980–2000), transitioning from syntactic to semantic-based theories; (2) methodological diversification (2000–2010), incorporating cognitive–pragmatic frameworks and corpus-based studies; and (3) contemporary integration (2010–2023), marked by multidisciplinary approaches. Co-citation analysis reveals three intellectual clusters centred on formal semantics, pragmatic approaches, and minimalist frameworks. Geographic analysis shows the United States as the leading contributor, followed by Germany and the United Kingdom. Collaboration network analysis underscores intensive transatlantic exchanges and emerging computational contributions from Asia. Keyword co-occurrence analysis (165 terms) demonstrates theoretical sophistication and empirical integration, with growing interest in neurocognitive approaches, cross-linguistic variations, and interface phenomena. Challenges include reconciling universal principles with language-specific variations and integrating processing models with formal theories. Promising research directions involve the combination of computational modelling, diachronic studies, and applications in language teaching and natural language processing. This study maps the intellectual landscape of polarity sensitivity research while suggesting future directions toward unified theories that address universal and language-specific patterns. Full article

Background/Objectives: Neuropsychological testing is key in defining cognitive profiles at early stages of dementia. More importantly, the detection of subtle cognitive changes, such as subjective cognitive complaints (SCCs), an understudied phenomenon, is critical for early detection and preventive interventions. Methods: This systematic review analyzes the empirical data on the cognitive domains and neuropsychological tests used in studies addressing SCC in the last 15 years (2009–2024). Results: A selection of 15 papers with exploratory, cross-sectional, and prospective scope in this field was obtained from PubMed and Embase databases. They used screening tests (17%) and a broad spectrum of neurocognitive domains. Yet, we identified three main targeted cognitive domains: executive functions (28%), language (17%), and memory (17%). Myriad assessment tools were also applied, but the most commonly used was a set of eight tests: Mini-mental Scale Examination (MMSE), Trail Making Test (A-B), Stroop test, Digit span test (DST), Semantic and Phonological fluency test, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Weschler Memory Scale (WMS), and Boston Naming Test (BNT). New approaches involved including the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and self/informant reports. Conclusions: Despite scarce agreement in the assessment protocols, the identification of early neurocognitive symptoms to objectivate the SCC phenomenon envisions a broad field of research. Full article

Background: Oxidative stress, defined as an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defenses, plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs), such as Turner syndrome (TS) and Klinefelter syndrome (KS). Pediatric patients with SCAs are particularly susceptible due to hormonal deficiencies, metabolic disturbances, and systemic complications. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in November 2024 using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Keywords included “antioxidants”, “oxidative stress”, “pediatrics”, “Turner syndrome”, “Klinefelter syndrome”, and “sex chromosome aneuploidies”. English-language articles were included without publication year restrictions. Relevant data on oxidative stress mechanisms and antioxidant interventions were systematically extracted. Results: The relationship between oxidative stress and SCAs can be described as bidirectional, where oxidative stress both contributes to and is exacerbated by aneuploidies. TS is marked by estrogen deficiency, cardiovascular anomalies, and metabolic dysfunction, all linked to heightened oxidative stress. KS is associated with hypogonadism, metabolic syndrome, and neurocognitive challenges, further exacerbated by oxidative damage. The aneuploid condition predisposes to increased oxidative stress in other SCAs, including 47,XXX and 47,XYY, as well as in high-grade aneuploidies. Emerging evidence highlights the therapeutic potential of antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione precursors, polyphenols, and melatonin. These interventions, when combined with hormonal therapies such as estrogen replacement in TS or testosterone replacement in KS, demonstrate synergistic effects in restoring redox balance and mitigating systemic complications. Conclusions: Oxidative stress significantly impacts the progression of SCAs in pediatric populations, amplifying risks across metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurocognitive domains. Early, tailored antioxidant strategies, integrated with syndrome-specific hormonal therapies, could reduce long-term complications and improve patient outcomes. Future research should focus on standardizing protocols to optimize these interventions for pediatric patients with SCAs. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of ADHD on the neuropsychological and academic performance of a sample of Colombian children in primary and secondary education compared to a control group. Method: Quasi-experimental research design involving a sample of 194 children from Manizales, of whom 97 were diagnosed with ADHD and 97 were typically developing children. The study utilized tasks from the Child Neuropsychological Assessment (ENI) protocol to assess academic and neuropsychological performance. Results: Children with ADHD exhibited lower cognitive, linguistic, and attentional performance with greater variability than their neurotypical peers. They showed deficits in IQ, metalinguistic skills, reading, writing, memory, attention, and executive function, with increased errors and heterogeneity across tasks. Conclusions: For future research, it is necessary to address ADHD through mixed-methods studies that enrich quantitative findings with the lived experiences of children and families affected by ADHD. Additionally, further exploration is needed regarding functional impairment assessment in the Colombian and broader Ibero-American context, including its correlation with later academic performance in higher education. Full article

Background/Objectives: Both language and music are capable of encoding and communicating semantic concepts, suggesting a potential overlap in neurocognitive mechanisms. Moreover, music training not only enhances domain-specific musical processing but also facilitates cross-domain language processing. However, existing research has predominantly focused on Indo-European languages, with limited evidence from paratactic languages such as Mandarin Chinese. In addition, the impact of variations in musical expertise on these shared processing mechanisms remains unclear, leaving a critical gap in our understanding of the shared neural bases for semantic processing in language and music. This event-related potential (ERP) study investigated whether Chinese sentences and musical chord sequences share semantic processing mechanisms and how musical expertise modulates these mechanisms. Methods: This study recruited 46 college students (22 musicians and 24 non-musicians). Participants read Chinese sentences presented word-by-word visually, while chord sequences were delivered auditorily, with each word temporally aligned to one chord. Sentences included semantically acceptable or unacceptable classifier–noun pairs and chord sequences ended with in-key or out-of-key chords. Participants were instructed to focus on reading sentences while ignoring the concurrent music. ERP signals were recorded, and time-locked to final words to capture neural dynamics during semantic integration. Results: The behavioral results showed that musicians were influenced by musical regularity when reading (acceptable: F(1, 44) = 25.70, p < 0.001, η_p² = 0.38; unacceptable: F(1, 44) = 11.45, p = 0.002, η_p² = 0.21), but such effect was absent in non-musicians (ps > 0.05). ERP results showed that musical semantic processing had a substantial impact on both P200 (F(1, 44) = 9.95, p = 0.003, η_p² = 0.18), N400 (musicians: F(1, 44) = 15.80, p < 0.001, η_p² = 0.26; non-musicians: F(1, 44) = 4.34, p = 0.043, η_p² = 0.09), and P600 (musicians: F(1, 44) = 5.55, p = 0.023, η_p² = 0.11; non-musicians: F(1, 44) = 8.68, p = 0.005, η_p² = 0.17) components. Furthermore, musical expertise exerted modulatory effects during later stages, as evidenced by divergent N400 and P600 latency patterns between musicians and non-musicians. Specifically, ERP amplitudes exhibited opposing trends: musicians showed an enhanced N400 and diminished P600, while non-musicians displayed a weaker N400 and stronger P600. Conclusions: Our findings provide novel evidence that Mandarin Chinese and chord sequences engage partially overlapping neural mechanisms for semantic processing both in the early (P200) and the late (N400 and P600) stages. Crucially, this study is the first to demonstrate that musical expertise may gradually reorganize these shared mechanisms, enabling two initially independent but functionally analogous semantic mechanisms into a domain-general processing system. These insights deepen our understanding of the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying linguistic and musical semantic processing and highlight how expertise shapes the neural architecture of cross-domain mechanisms. Full article