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Bertoni S, Franceschini S, Campana G, Facoetti A. The effects of bilateral posterior parietal cortex tRNS on reading performance. Cereb Cortex 2022; 33:5538-5546. [PMID: 36336338 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
According to established cognitive neuroscience knowledge based on studies on disabled and typically developing readers, reading is based on a dual-stream model in which a phonological-dorsal stream (left temporo-parietal and inferior frontal areas) processes unfamiliar words and pseudowords, whereas an orthographic-ventral stream (left occipito-temporal and inferior frontal areas) processes known words. However, correlational neuroimaging, causal longitudinal, training, and pharmacological studies have suggested the critical role of visuo-spatial attention in reading development. In a double blind, crossover within-subjects experiment, we manipulated the neuromodulatory effect of a short-term bilateral stimulation of posterior parietal cortex (PPC) by using active and sham tRNS during reading tasks in a large sample of young adults. In contrast to the dual-stream model predicting either no effect or a selective effect on the stimulated phonological-dorsal stream (as well as to a general multisensory effect on both reading streams), we found that only word-reading performance improved after active bilateral PPC tRNS. These findings demonstrate a direct neural connectivity between the PPC, controlling visuo-spatial attention, and the ventral stream for visual word recognition. These results support a neurobiological model of reading where performance of the orthographic-ventral stream is boosted by an efficient deployment of visuo-spatial attention from bilateral PPC stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Bertoni
- Developmental and Cognitive Neuroscience Lab , Department of General Psychology, , Padua 35131 , Italy
- University of Padua , Department of General Psychology, , Padua 35131 , Italy
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo , Bergamo 24129 , Italy
| | - Sandro Franceschini
- Developmental and Cognitive Neuroscience Lab , Department of General Psychology, , Padua 35131 , Italy
- University of Padua , Department of General Psychology, , Padua 35131 , Italy
| | - Gianluca Campana
- PercUp Lab , Department of General Psychology, , Padua 35131 , Italy
- University of Padua , Department of General Psychology, , Padua 35131 , Italy
| | - Andrea Facoetti
- Developmental and Cognitive Neuroscience Lab , Department of General Psychology, , Padua 35131 , Italy
- University of Padua , Department of General Psychology, , Padua 35131 , Italy
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2
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Franceschini S, Bertoni S, Puccio G, Gori S, Termine C, Facoetti A. Visuo-spatial attention deficit in children with reading difficulties. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13930. [PMID: 35978017 PMCID: PMC9385647 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16646-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Although developmental reading disorders (developmental dyslexia) have been mainly associated with auditory-phonological deficits, recent longitudinal and training studies have shown a possible causal role of visuo-attentional skills in reading acquisition. Indeed, visuo-attentional mechanisms could be involved in the orthographic processing of the letter string and the graphemic parsing that precede the grapheme-to-phoneme mapping. Here, we used a simple paper-and-pencil task composed of three labyrinths to measure visuo-spatial attention in a large sample of primary school children (n = 398). In comparison to visual search tasks requiring visual working memory, our labyrinth task mainly measures distributed and focused visuo-spatial attention, also controlling for sensorimotor learning. Compared to typical readers (n = 340), children with reading difficulties (n = 58) showed clear visuo-spatial attention impairments that appear not linked to motor coordination and procedural learning skills implicated in this paper and pencil task. Since visual attention is dysfunctional in about 40% of the children with reading difficulties, an efficient reading remediation program should integrate both auditory-phonological and visuo-attentional interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro Franceschini
- Developmental and Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Via Venezia 8, 35131, Padua, Italy. .,Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.
| | - Sara Bertoni
- Developmental and Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Via Venezia 8, 35131, Padua, Italy.,Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giovanna Puccio
- Developmental and Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Via Venezia 8, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Simone Gori
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Cristiano Termine
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Andrea Facoetti
- Developmental and Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Via Venezia 8, 35131, Padua, Italy.
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3
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Medrano M, Molina-Hidalgo C, Alcantara JMA, Ruiz JR, Jurado-Fasoli L. Acute Effect of a Dietary Multi-Ingredient Nootropic as a Cognitive Enhancer in Young Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Triple-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial. Front Nutr 2022; 9:858910. [PMID: 35634417 PMCID: PMC9133906 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.858910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To study the acute effect of a dietary multi-ingredient nootropic on cognitive performance in young healthy adults. We also analyzed the influence of the dietary multi-ingredient nootropic on emotional state, heart rate (HR), and heart rate variability (HRV). Methods This is a randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. In total, 26 young healthy adults (50% women; 24.9 ± 3.3 years old) ingested 10 g of a dietary multi-ingredient nootropic [Evo-Gamers®; Harrison Sport Nutrition (HSN), Granada, Spain] or placebo (maltodextrin) in a randomized order (clinicaltrials.gov No. NCT04790188). After 30 min of the ingestion, participants performed a battery of cognitive performance tests to measure the processing speed, inhibitory control, working memory, cognitive flexibility, creativity, and verbal fluency. The emotional status was assessed through questionnaires, and HR and HRV were measured using a heart rate monitor. Results In comparison with placebo, the acute ingestion of the nootropic showed a significantly better response time in several cognitive tests (i.e., processing speed, inhibitory control, spatial working memory, and cognitive flexibility, all P < 0.05 and effect size range of 0.4–0.6). It also displayed a higher accuracy in the processing speed, the inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility tests (all P < 0.05; effect size ranged from 0.4 to 0.6). Furthermore, the nootropic showed a higher creativity and positive emotions and lower sadness-depression emotions, whereas HR and HRV remained similar between placebo vs. nootropic conditions. However, there were no differences between the nootropic and placebo in verbal fluency, motivation, or anxiety (all P > 0.05). Conclusion An acute ingestion of a dietary multi-ingredient nootropic enhances cognitive performance in comparison with placebo without negatively influencing HR or HRV in young healthy adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Medrano
- PROmoting FITness and Health Through Physical Activity Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Cristina Molina-Hidalgo
- PROmoting FITness and Health Through Physical Activity Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Juan M. A. Alcantara
- PROmoting FITness and Health Through Physical Activity Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Jonatan R. Ruiz
- PROmoting FITness and Health Through Physical Activity Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria, ibs.Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Lucas Jurado-Fasoli
- PROmoting FITness and Health Through Physical Activity Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Sport and Health University Research Institute (iMUDS), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- *Correspondence: Lucas Jurado-Fasoli,
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Lorca C, Mulet M, Arévalo-Caro C, Sanchez MÁ, Perez A, Perrino M, Bach-Faig A, Aguilar-Martínez A, Vilella E, Gallart-Palau X, Serra A. Plant-derived nootropics and human cognition: A systematic review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 63:5521-5545. [PMID: 34978226 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.2021137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Substances with modulatory capabilities on certain aspects of human cognition have been revered as nootropics from the dawn of time. The plant kingdom provides most of the currently available nootropics of natural origin. Here, in this systematic review, we aim to provide state-of-the-art information regarding proven and unproven effects of plant-derived nootropics (PDNs) on human cognition in conditions of health and disease. Six independent searches, one for each neurocognitive domain (NCD), were performed in parallel using three independent scientific library databases: PubMed, Cochrane and Scopus. Only scientific studies and systematic reviews with humans published between January 2000 and November 2021 were reviewed, and 256 papers were included. Ginkgo biloba was the most relevant nootropic regarding perceptual and motor functions. Bacopa monnieri improves language, learning and memory. Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) modulates anxiety and social-related cognitions. Caffeine enhances attention and executive functions. Together, the results from the compiled studies highlight the nootropic effects and the inconsistencies regarding PDNs that require further research.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2021.2021137.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Lorca
- IMDEA-Food Research Institute, +Pec Proteomics, Campus of International Excellence UAM + CSIC, Old Cantoblanco Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRB Lleida) - Neuroscience Area - University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova (HUAV) - School of Medicine, University of Lleida (UdL), Lleida, Spain
- Proteored - Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Mulet
- Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRB Lleida) - Neuroscience Area - University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova (HUAV) - School of Medicine, University of Lleida (UdL), Lleida, Spain
| | - Catalina Arévalo-Caro
- Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRB Lleida) - Neuroscience Area - University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova (HUAV) - School of Medicine, University of Lleida (UdL), Lleida, Spain
| | - M Ángeles Sanchez
- IMDEA-Food Research Institute, +Pec Proteomics, Campus of International Excellence UAM + CSIC, Old Cantoblanco Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ainhoa Perez
- IMDEA-Food Research Institute, +Pec Proteomics, Campus of International Excellence UAM + CSIC, Old Cantoblanco Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Perrino
- IMDEA-Food Research Institute, +Pec Proteomics, Campus of International Excellence UAM + CSIC, Old Cantoblanco Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Bach-Faig
- FoodLab Research Group (2017SGR 83), Faculty of Health Sciences, Open University of Catalonia (UOC), Barcelona, Spain
- Food and Nutrition Area, Barcelona Official College of Pharmacists, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alicia Aguilar-Martínez
- FoodLab Research Group (2017SGR 83), Faculty of Health Sciences, Open University of Catalonia (UOC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisabet Vilella
- Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata (HUIPM), Institut Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), Reus, Spain
- Centro de investigación Biomédica en Salud Mental CIBERSAM, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Xavier Gallart-Palau
- Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRB Lleida) - Neuroscience Area - University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova (HUAV) - School of Medicine, University of Lleida (UdL), Lleida, Spain
- Proteored - Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata (HUIPM), Institut Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain
- Centro de investigación Biomédica en Salud Mental CIBERSAM, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aida Serra
- IMDEA-Food Research Institute, +Pec Proteomics, Campus of International Excellence UAM + CSIC, Old Cantoblanco Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida Dr. Pifarré Foundation (IRB Lleida) - Neuroscience Area - University Hospital Arnau de Vilanova (HUAV) - School of Medicine, University of Lleida (UdL), Lleida, Spain
- Proteored - Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
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5
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Magalhães R, Picó-Pérez M, Esteves M, Vieira R, Castanho TC, Amorim L, Sousa M, Coelho A, Fernandes HM, Cabral J, Moreira PS, Sousa N. Habitual coffee drinkers display a distinct pattern of brain functional connectivity. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:6589-6598. [PMID: 33875801 PMCID: PMC8760045 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01075-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Coffee is the most widely consumed source of caffeine worldwide, partly due to the psychoactive effects of this methylxanthine. Interestingly, the effects of its chronic consumption on the brain's intrinsic functional networks are still largely unknown. This study provides the first extended characterization of the effects of chronic coffee consumption on human brain networks. Subjects were recruited and divided into two groups: habitual coffee drinkers (CD) and non-coffee drinkers (NCD). Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was acquired in these volunteers who were also assessed regarding stress, anxiety, and depression scores. In the neuroimaging evaluation, the CD group showed decreased functional connectivity in the somatosensory and limbic networks during resting state as assessed with independent component analysis. The CD group also showed decreased functional connectivity in a network comprising subcortical and posterior brain regions associated with somatosensory, motor, and emotional processing as assessed with network-based statistics; moreover, CD displayed longer lifetime of a functional network involving subcortical regions, the visual network and the cerebellum. Importantly, all these differences were dependent on the frequency of caffeine consumption, and were reproduced after NCD drank coffee. CD showed higher stress levels than NCD, and although no other group effects were observed in this psychological assessment, increased frequency of caffeine consumption was also associated with increased anxiety in males. In conclusion, higher consumption of coffee and caffeinated products has an impact in brain functional connectivity at rest with implications in emotionality, alertness, and readiness to action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Magalhães
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center - Braga, Braga, Portugal
- NeuroSpin, CEA, CNRS, Paris-Saclay University, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Maria Picó-Pérez
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center - Braga, Braga, Portugal
| | - Madalena Esteves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center - Braga, Braga, Portugal
| | - Rita Vieira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center - Braga, Braga, Portugal
| | - Teresa C Castanho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center - Braga, Braga, Portugal
| | - Liliana Amorim
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center - Braga, Braga, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center - Braga, Braga, Portugal
| | - Ana Coelho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center - Braga, Braga, Portugal
| | - Henrique M Fernandes
- Center for Music in the Brain, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Joana Cabral
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center - Braga, Braga, Portugal
- Center for Music in the Brain, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Pedro S Moreira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center - Braga, Braga, Portugal
- Psychological Neuroscience Lab, CIPsi, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Nuno Sousa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, Braga, Portugal.
- ICVS/3B's, PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
- Clinical Academic Center - Braga, Braga, Portugal.
- P5 Medical Center, Braga, Portugal.
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Rossetto IMU, Cagnon VHA, Kido LA, Lizarte Neto FS, Tirapelli LF, Tirapelli DPDC, de Almeida Chuffa LG, Martinez FE, Martinez M. Caffeine consumption attenuates ethanol-induced inflammation through the regulation of adenosinergic receptors in the UChB rats cerebellum. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2021; 10:835-849. [PMID: 34484675 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfab067] [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: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Caffeine consumption is able to interfere in cellular processes related to inflammatory mechanisms by acting through the adenosinergic system. This study aimed to recognize alterations related to adenosinergic system and inflammatory process in the cerebellum of University of Chile Bibulous (UChB) rats after the consumption of ethanol and caffeine. UChB and Wistar rats, males at 5 months old, were divided into the groups (n = 15/group): (i) Control (Wistar rats receiving water); (ii) Ethanol group (UChB rats receiving ethanol solution at 10%) and (iii) Ethanol+caffeine group (UChB rats receiving ethanol solution at 10% added of 3 g/L of caffeine). The cerebellar tissue was collected and processed for immunohistochemistry, Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting techniques for the adenosinergic receptors A1 and A2a and inflammatory markers, including Nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB), TLR4, TLR2, MyD88, TNF-α, COX-2, iNOS and microglial marker Iba-1. Results showed ethanol and caffeine consumption differentially altering the immunolocalization of adenosinergic receptors and inflammatory markers in the cerebellar tissue. The A2a receptor was overexpressed in the Ethanol group and was evident in the glial cells. The Ethanol group had increased protein levels for NFκB and TLR4, expressively in Bergmann glia and Purkinje cells. Caffeine reduced the expression of these markers to levels similar to those found in the Control group. The A1 gene was upregulated the Ethanol group, but not its protein levels, suggesting post-transcriptional interference. In conclusion, caffeine seems to attenuate ethanol-induced inflammation in the cerebellum of UChB rats through the A1 and A2a modulation, playing a neuroprotective role in the chronic context of ethanol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabela Maria Urra Rossetto
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), 255 Monteiro Lobato St, Campinas, SP 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Valéria Helena Alves Cagnon
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), 255 Monteiro Lobato St, Campinas, SP 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Larissa Akemi Kido
- Department of Food and Nutrition, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), 80 Monteiro Lobato St, Campinas, SP 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Fermino Sanches Lizarte Neto
- Department of Surgery and Anatomy, University of São Paulo (USP), 3900 Bandeirantes Ave, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Luís Fernando Tirapelli
- Department of Surgery and Anatomy, University of São Paulo (USP), 3900 Bandeirantes Ave, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14049-900, Brazil
| | | | - Luiz Gustavo de Almeida Chuffa
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, State University of São Paulo (UNESP), 250 Prof. Dr. Antônio Celso Wagner Zanin St, Botucatu, SP 18618-689, Brazil
| | - Francisco Eduardo Martinez
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, State University of São Paulo (UNESP), 250 Prof. Dr. Antônio Celso Wagner Zanin St, Botucatu, SP 18618-689, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Martinez
- Department of Morphology and Pathology, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), 13571 Biblioteca Comunitária Ave, São Carlos, SP 13565-905, Brazil
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7
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Franceschini S, Bertoni S, Lulli M, Pievani T, Facoetti A. Short-Term Effects of Video-Games on Cognitive Enhancement: the Role of Positive Emotions. JOURNAL OF COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s41465-021-00220-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AbstractAccording to established background knowledge, playing is essential in human development and a power remediation tool in clinical populations. In clinical interventions, the beneficial roles of playing have often been sought and investigated in the specific features of the game, rather than in the positive emotions generated by playing. However, regardless of game specifications, cognitive enhancement could be driven by the emotions linked to play. Establishing the causal connections between play and cognitive enhancement should allow us to determine how to involve play in therapy, prevention and educational programmes. Today, video-gaming is one of the most diffused forms of play. In the first crossover randomized controlled trial, we compared the short-term effects induced by shooting and puzzle video-games in visual perception, sensorimotor and reading skills in children with developmental coordination disorder and dyslexia. The funnier and more activating game enhanced breadth of visual perception and reduced sensorimotor and reading disorders. Visual perception, sensorimotor and reading improvements correlated with fun. In the second crossover randomized controlled trial, comparing the effects of the same shooting with a fighting video-game in healthy young adults, we show that regardless of game characteristics, changes in positive emotions correlated with contextual reading enhancement, while play-driven biochemical activation boosted single word and pseudoword reading. The short-term effects induced by play could be a useful clinical tool for the prevention and treatment of multiple cognitive disorders.
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8
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Fiani B, Zhu L, Musch BL, Briceno S, Andel R, Sadeq N, Ansari AZ. The Neurophysiology of Caffeine as a Central Nervous System Stimulant and the Resultant Effects on Cognitive Function. Cureus 2021; 13:e15032. [PMID: 34150383 PMCID: PMC8202818 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.15032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Caffeine is one of the world’s most consumed drugs. According to the Washington Post (2015), two billion cups of coffee are consumed per day worldwide. Caffeine is classified as a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant and an organic molecule called methylxanthine. Caffeine has three notable mechanisms of action on the CNS that produce a psychostimulant effect. These effects are responsible for the effect that caffeine has on cognitive function. The effects of caffeine consumption on cognitive function have been demonstrated across several studies involving humans and animals. With the immense number of people consuming caffeine around the world, it is of vital importance to study the effects that this drug has on people’s cognitive function. This literature review provides useful insights on this question through the analysis of caffeine’s effects on cognitive function, along with information on caffeine’s three modes of action. The findings of recent studies show mixed results regarding the effects of caffeine on mood, attention, processing speed, and memory. Current research suggests that if caffeine does have an effect on mood, the most significant changes may be anxiety. Studies did not support caffeine as having any significant effect on attention, but that it did play a role in enhancing processing speed. The majority of the studies reviewed suggest caffeine as having a significant positive effect on both short and long-term memory in adults and the elderly. Current findings warrant continued research on the association of caffeine and the resultant effects on cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Fiani
- Neurosurgery, Desert Regional Medical Center, Palm Springs, USA
| | - Lawrence Zhu
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York Institute of Technology, Glen Head, USA
| | - Brian L Musch
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, William Carey University, Hattiesburg, USA
| | - Sean Briceno
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, USA
| | - Ross Andel
- School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA
| | - Nasreen Sadeq
- College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA
| | - Ali Z Ansari
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, William Carey University, Hattiesburg, USA
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9
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Chen X, Zhang L, Yang D, Li C, An G, Wang J, Shao Y, Fan R, Ma Q. Effects of Caffeine on Event-Related Potentials and Neuropsychological Indices After Sleep Deprivation. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:108. [PMID: 32714162 PMCID: PMC7347038 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.00108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that can effectively alleviate brain fatigue and low cognitive efficiency induced by total sleep deprivation (TSD). Recent studies have demonstrated that caffeine can improve subjective attention and objective behavioral metrics, such as arousal level, reaction time, and memory efficiency. However, only a few studies have examined the electrophysiological changes caused by the caffeine in humans following sleep disturbance. In this study, an event-related potential (ERP) technique was employed to measure the behavioral, cognitive, and electrophysiological changes produced by caffeine administration after TSD. Methods: Sixteen healthy subjects within-subject design performed a visual Go/No-Go task with simultaneous electroencephalogram recording. Behavioral and ERP data were evaluated after 36 h of TSD, and the effects of ingestion of either 400 mg of caffeine or placebo were compared in a double-blind randomized design. Results: Compared with placebo administration, the Go hit rates were significantly enhanced in the caffeine condition. A simple effect analysis revealed that, compared with baseline, the Go-P2 amplitude was significantly enhanced after TSD in the caffeine consumption condition. A significant main effect of the drug was found on No-Go-P2, No-Go-N2 amplitude, and Go-P2 latency before and after TSD. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that caffeine administration has acute effects on improving the efficiency of individual automatic reactions and early cognitive processes. Caffeine was related to the preservation of an individual’s arousal level and accelerated response-related decisions, while subjects’ higher-level recognition had limited improvement with prolonged awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewei Chen
- Department of Operational Medicine, Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Liwei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Danfeng Yang
- Department of Operational Medicine, Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Chao Li
- Department of Operational Medicine, Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Gaihong An
- Department of Operational Medicine, Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Operational Medicine, Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yongcong Shao
- School of Psychology, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Fan
- Central Laboratory, Xi Qing Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiang Ma
- Department of Operational Medicine, Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, China
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