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Importance: Care partners' involvement is a key feature of the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) approach that can enhance rehabilitation outcomes and promote the generalization and transfer of strategies and skills to everyday life. Gaining insight into care partners' experience with their child's CO-OP intervention is critical to understanding how to enhance care partners' involvement. Objective: To gain insight into the experience of care partners whose child with acquired brain injury (ABI) participated in CO-OP intervention. Method: A qualitative descriptive research design was used. Semistructured interviews were conducted at three time points (immediate postintervention and at 2 and 6 mo postintervention). Setting: Two rehabilitation centers. Participants: Thirteen care partners of 12 children or youth with severe ABI. Results: Three themes emerged from the analysis of 33 interviews: (1) The child is an active agent in their therapy, (2) the care partner is the keystone who helps solidify the elements of CO-OP, and (3) CO-OP mastery requires time and practice, and its use evolves over time. Conclusions and Relevance: These themes highlight the progressive nature of proficiency in CO-OP for both care partners and children. This was evident not only in the children's improvement in task performance, but also in their ability to problem solve. Care partners' role in supporting the CO-OP approach also unfolds over time as their confidence in their child's problem-solving abilities, and in their own ability to adequately provide guidance, increases. Engagement seems to be central in facilitating this progression for both children and their care partners. Plain-Language Summary: This is the first study to provide insights into the involvement of care partners in the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) approach for children and youth with executive function deficits after acquired brain injury. This is also the first study to explore the evolution of care partners' experiences over time. Involving care partners is a key feature of the CO-OP. Understanding care partners' experiences with their child's CO-OP intervention can improve a child's rehabilitation outcomes. The study found that care partners' role in supporting their child's CO-OP approach improved over time as their confidence in their child's problem-solving abilities increased. The care partners' own ability to adequately provide guidance to their child also increased over time. Engagement seems to be central in facilitating this progression for both children and their care partners. It is hoped that occupational therapists will consider the findings of this study to better support care partners in implementing the CO-OP approach with their child in their real-life context. Care partners' role in supporting their child's engagement with the Cognitive Orientation to daily Occupational Performance (CO-OP) occupational therapy approach improved over time as their confidence in their child's problem-solving abilities increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Dual-task walking is challenging for people with Parkinson disease (PD). Gait performance worsens while executing dual tasks, possibly due to a decline in executive function (EF). This study aimed to investigate the effects of dual-task training on EF and dual-task cost (DTC) in people with PD and to explore whether training-induced changes in EF were associated with changes in DTC. Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 28 people with PD participated. Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (dual-task training) and the control group (treadmill training). Both groups received a total of 16 training sessions during the 8 weeks. Assessments were conducted at baseline and postintervention. Primary outcomes included EF and dual-task cost. Results: Significant time-by-group interactions were found in executive function and DTC. The experimental group showed significant improvement in frontal assessment battery (FAB), trail-making test (TMT) part A, Stroop color and word test (SCWT), and DTC on speed in cognitive dual-task walking. There was a moderate to high correlation between the change values of the FAB, TMT part A, SCWT, and the change values of DTC in cognitive dual-task walking. Discussion and conclusions: Compared to treadmill training, dual-task training resulted in greater improvements in EF and DTC. Training-induced changes in EF were linked to changes in DTC when walking while performing a cognitive task but not when walking while performing a motor task. Video abstract: For more insights from the authors Supplemental Digital Content available at http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A485. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In multimedia learning, there is a lot of new information that learners are exposed to, making it a cognitively intensive process. Poorly-designed multimedia lessons can introduce distractions that must be dealt with by the learner. However, learners do not all share the same skill at managing incoming information or holding capacity, which could create individual differences in the impact of multimedia lessons on learning and lead to inequity in learning. In three experiments, learners saw a multimedia lesson varying in the amount of distracting material included: high (Experiment 1), moderate (Experiment 2), or low (Experiment 3). Learners took a posttest and completed tasks to assess individual differences in managing incoming information (executive function) and holding capacity (working memory capacity). When distractions were present (Experiment 1 and Experiment 2), executive function was related to posttest performance such that as executive functioning increased, performance on the posttest increased. However, when distractions were not present (Experiment 3), executive function was not related to posttest performance. Individual differences in working memory capacity were not related to posttest performance at any level of distraction. This indicates the importance of considering individual differences in learners' executive functioning in the design of multimedia lessons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of students with disabilities (SWD) enrolling in postsecondary education continues to increase, yet degree completion rates continue to fall behind compared to peers without disabilities. There is an obvious need to investigate interventions to support postsecondary success so SWD can reap the benefits of a college education. Empirical evidence demonstrates that coaching is a promising support. This literature review aims to examine coaching interventions currently used to support SWD in postsecondary education. The authors reviewed relevant literature from 2009 to 2021 and identified 17 studies that met the search criteria. Findings indicate positive outcomes, including improved grade point average (GPA), time management, organization, learning and study skills, self-esteem, behavioral regulation, metacognition, and sense of well-being. The authors also include recommendations for additional research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study explored treatment of executive functioning impairment in adults after acquired brain injury (ABI), clinician's confidence and support received, in a sample of occupational therapists in the United Kingdom. Methods: A 24-item online questionnaire was sent to 750 members of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists Specialist-Section in Neurological Practice. Data was collected at a nominal and ordinal level and included yes/no Likert-type scale and free field comments. Descriptive statistical analysis was completed. Results: Seventy-six occupational therapists working in a range of neurological settings completed the survey. Frequently used interventions included education (n = 57, 75%), task modification (n = 56, 73%), instrumental activities of daily living (ADL) (n = 54, 71%), personal ADL (n = 53, 70%) and goal setting (n = 53, 70%). Seventy-one percent used metacognitive strategies. Occupation-based metacognitive approaches were rarely used. Thirty-one (41%) participants reported being fairly confident and 28 (37%) were very confident. Support for clinical practice was accessed most frequently through joint clinical sessions (n = 30, 39%). Findings: Participants used various clinical interventions to treat service users with executive dysfunction after ABI. Meta-cognitive strategies were employed; however, occupation-based metacognitive approaches were infrequently utilised, suggesting uncertainty in adopting these in practice. The need for further training on evidence-based interventions and knowledge translation support was highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance: Acquired brain injury (ABI) may result in deficits in executive function (EF), which affects engagement in occupations. Objective: To explore the impact of group yoga on EF in people with ABI. Design: Single-arm pilot study with preyoga assessments and postyoga assessments (after 8 wk of yoga). Setting: Yoga classes and assessments were completed within university buildings on a college campus. Participants: Twelve participants with chronic ABI (>6 mo post-ABI) were recruited through convenience and purposive strategies from the local community. Intervention: An 8-wk adaptive group yoga intervention was provided by an adaptive yoga specialist. Yoga classes were 60 min and occurred once per week. Outcomes and Measures: EF was assessed before and after the yoga intervention using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function—Adult Version (BRIEF–A) self-report form. Normative data were analyzed with paired sample t tests. Results: Nine participants completed all study procedures. Results from paired sample t tests showed significant improvements on the Behavioral Regulation Index of the BRIEF–A (p =.046). No significant improvements were found on individual EF scales, the Metacognition Index, or the Global Executive Composite (ps >.05). Conclusions and Relevance: Group-based yoga may improve some aspects of EF for adults with chronic ABI; however, further research with larger sample sizes is needed. Plain-Language Summary: Yoga, an intervention increasingly used in occupational therapy practice, may be beneficial in improving behavioral regulation (an executive function) for adults with acquired brain injury. Group yoga may improve behavioral regulation for adults with acquired brain injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance: Youths with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have challenges with executive function (EF). However, there are few measures to objectively assess EF, such as time management and prioritization. The Weekly Calendar Planning Activity (WCPA) is a promising performance-based EF measure that has rarely been used with youths with ASD. Objective: To characterize the performance of youths with ASD on the WCPA and the association of WCPA performance with caregiver-rated EF. Design: Observational and summary data obtained during a baseline evaluation for a research study. Setting: Middle school. Participants: Thirty-nine adolescents with ASD and without an intellectual disability. Method: Youth were administered the WCPA; caregivers completed EF ratings. Descriptive statistics characterized WCPA performance. Correlations between WCPA scores and age, IQ, and EF ratings were computed. Results: The majority of youth performed poorly on the WCPA and lacked insight into their poor performance. Many struggled to enter appointments. Appointment accuracy was <30%. The most common errors were location errors. Appointment accuracy and planning time were moderately associated with IQ but not with caregiver-rated EF or age. Conclusions and Relevance: Overall, the WCPA was cognitively demanding for youths with ASD without an intellectual disability. These results have implications for using evidence-based strategies to teach adolescents with ASD how to manage their time and plan and prioritize homework assignments, upcoming tests or quizzes, and extracurricular activities. Plain-Language Summary: Youths with autism spectrum disorder have significant problems with executive function, particularly organization, prioritization, time management, and planning. There are few objective, performance-based measures of executive function, especially those that can be used with autistic youths. To our knowledge, this study is the first to use the Weekly Calendar Planning Activity (WCPA) with autistic adolescents who do not have an intellectual disability. The WCPA captured their deficits related to executive function and could be a useful tool for assessment and treatment planning. This is the first study to use the Weekly Calendar Planning Activity with autistic adolescents who do not have an intellectual disability as a performance-based measure of executive function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Executive function, which develops rapidly in childhood, enables problem-solving, focused attention, and planning. Animal models describe executive function decrements associated with ambient air pollution exposure, but epidemiologic studies are limited. Methods: We examined associations between early childhood air pollution exposure and school-aged executive function in 1235 children from three US pregnancy cohorts in the ECHO-PATHWAYS Consortium. We derived point-based residential exposures to ambient particulate matter ≤2.5 µm in aerodynamic diameter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3) at ages 0-4 years from spatiotemporal models with a 2-week resolution. We assessed executive function across three domains, cognitive flexibility, working memory, and inhibitory control, using performancebased measures and calculated a composite score quantifying overall performance. We fitted linear regressions to assess air pollution and child executive function associations, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, maternal mental health, and health behaviors, and examined modification by child sex, maternal education, and neighborhood educational opportunity. Results: In the overall sample, we found hypothesized inverse associations in crude but not adjusted models. Modified associations between NO2 exposure and working memory by neighborhood education opportunity were present (Pinteraction = 0.05), with inverse associations more pronounced in the "high" and "very high" categories. Associations of interest did not differ by child sex or maternal education. Conclusion: This work contributes to the evolving science regarding early-life environmental exposures and child development. There remains a need for continued exploration in future research endeavors, to elucidate the complex interplay between natural environment and social determinants influencing child neurodevelopment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: We investigated the effect of perivascular spaces (PVS) volume on speeded executive function (sEF), as mediated by white matter hyperintensities (WMH) volume and plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in neurodegenerative diseases. METHODS: A mediation analysis was performed to assess the relationship between neuroimaging markers and plasma biomarkers on sEF in 333 participants clinically diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease/mild cognitive impairment, frontotemporal dementia, or cerebrovascular disease from the Ontario Neurodegenerative Disease Research Initiative. RESULTS: PVS was significantly associated with sEF (c = ‐0.125 ± 0.054, 95% bootstrap confidence interval [CI] [‐0.2309, ‐0.0189], p = 0.021). This effect was mediated by both GFAP and WMH. DISCUSSION: In this unique clinical cohort of neurodegenerative diseases, we demonstrated that the effect of PVS on sEF was mediated by the presence of elevated plasma GFAP and white matter disease. These findings highlight the potential utility of imaging and plasma biomarkers in the current landscape of therapeutics targeting dementia. Highlights: Perivascular spaces (PVS) and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) are imaging markers of small vessel disease.Plasma glial fibrillary protein acidic protein (GFAP) is a biomarker of astroglial injury.PVS, WMH, and GFAP are relevant in executive dysfunction from neurodegeneration.PVS's effect on executive function was mediated by GFAP and white matter disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global prevalence of obesity in children has increased over time. Higher body mass index (BMI) is negatively correlated with executive function (EF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF). This study examined the differences in EF and BDNF levels among 66 students. A one-way multivariate analysis of variance was conducted to evaluate group differences, followed by descriptive discriminant analysis for post-hoc analysis. This study revealed that there were no significant differences in BDNF levels among school children categorized as normal weight, overweight, or obese. Additionally, children in the normal weight category did not exhibit a better overall EF than their overweight and obese counterparts, except for the EF component related to planning. Future studies should investigate the development of EF and BDNF among school children, and factors like family economic status and parenting practices that may influence these variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to explore the existing literature on the relationship between depressive symptoms and executive function in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) across the lifespan. The scoping review followed the PRISMA protocol by using three databases: PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO on May 14, 2023. Primary research that included reported executive function and the association with depressive symptoms was included in the review. Of 1470 de-duplicated publications identified, nine articles were included in the review. Five studies evaluated the T1DM population, while four studies evaluated T1DM and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) as an aggregate result. Three studies indicated an association between depressive symptoms and executive function in adults with T1DM, and four studies indicated an association between depressive symptoms and executive function in adults with either T1DM or T2DM. In general, participants who reported depressive symptoms also exhibited poor executive function. However, two studies did not find an association between depressive symptoms and executive function. In summary, the seven studies in this review suggest that individuals with T1DM who report depressive symptoms are at a higher risk of poor executive function; a clear association between depressive symptoms and executive function in individuals with T1DM remains inconclusive. There is a need to explore this relationship in the future. • Study results linking depressive symptoms and executive function were mixed. • Depressive symptoms may impair executive function. • Future studies should include both type 1 and type 2 in the analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Executive dysfunction is common in in individuals with intellectual disability (ID). This study examined the effects of the Special Olympics Unified Sports (UNS) soccer program on executive function (EF) and prefrontal cortex activation in ID adolescents. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was utilized to compare EF between a group participating in UNS soccer training (n = 18) and a control group (n = 26) in the flanker task, 2-back task, and dots–triangles task. The results revealed that the soccer group performed significantly better in the dots-triangles and 2-back tasks than the control group. However, it is unclear whethersoccer training may improve activation of R-DLPFC during performance of the dotstriangles task. In the 2-back task, activation in the right frontopolar area (R-FPA) was lower in the soccer group when compared to the control group. Notably, no significant differences were observed in the flanker task In conclusion, UNS soccer training may positively affect working memory in adolescents with intellectual disabilities by improving activation of RFA, but whether it activates R-VLPFC is uncertain. These results indicate that the UNS soccer trainingprogram holds promise for enhancing executive function in adolescents with ID, and improving the quality of life in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Aquatic therapy could improve factors related to the HAAR checklist. • Aquatic therapy can improve mental health, balance, and control. • Aquatic therapy can improve independent movement in water of children with NDDs. To summarize the evidence on the efficacy of aquatic therapy on motor and social skill as well as executive function compared with land-based exercises in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The following 6 databases were searched: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Google scholar (advance), and Web of Science from 1990 to June 2022. The search included only clinical trials. Two reviewers independently assessed the full text and conducted manuscript selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. Using standardized forms, data were extracted and all points of disagreement were discussed between authors. Data synthesis was applied to summarize information from the included trials. The quantitative analysis incorporated fixed-effect models. Of the 150 studies identified in the initial search, 16 trials (248 children) met the eligibility criteria. Aquatic therapy improved factors related to the Humphries' Assessment of Aquatic Readiness (HAAR) checklist such as mental adjustment (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.20-1.19; I2=10%) compared with land-based exercises (control), water environment (SMD, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.43-1.54; I2=83%), Rotation (SMD, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.14-1.12; I2=0%), balance and control (SMD, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.47-2.72; I2=36%) and independent movement (eg, walking, moving upper body, standing, transferring) in water (SMD, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.37-1.38; I2=0%) compared with the control group in the 4 trails. The HAAR tool is based on the Halliwick method and aims to assess the appropriateness for an individual with disability to engage in aquatic therapy. The study protocol was also registered with PROSPERO number CRD42022341898. Aquatic therapy demonstrated a more robust positive effect on factors related to the HAAR checklist than land-based exercises. Further research is needed to further elucidate the clinical utility of aquatic therapy for children with neurodevelopmental disorder at long-term follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Participation restrictions continue to be prevalent for community-dwelling stroke survivors. Research is needed to understand the associated post-stroke factors that limit or facilitate optimal participation and quality of life. To investigate emotional health, executive functioning (EF), and social support as predictors of participation restrictions post-stroke. Cross-sectional data collected from participants ≥ 6 months after mild stroke with and without aphasia (N = 114) were analyzed using three participation outcome measures: Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNL), Activity Card Sort (ACS), and the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) Version 2.0 Participation/Role Function domain. Predictor variables investigated were emotional health (SIS Emotion domain scores), EF (Delis Kaplan Executive Function System Trail Making Condition 4: DKEFS), social support (Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey: MOS-SSS), stroke severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale: NIHSS), and education level. Using multiple regression, these predictors accounted for 26.4% to 40% of the variance for the three participation outcomes. Emotional health was a significant independent predictor across all three measures. Social support was a significant predictor of participation as measured on the RNL. Executive function was not a significant predictor of participation when controlling for the other predictor variables. Emotional health and social support should be considered as modifiable factors that could optimize meaningful participation and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Brain temperature within motor cortex is regulated in a narrower homeostatic range when compared to body rectal temperature. • Bilateral motor cortical activity was suppressed with exertional and passive hyperthermia. • Global and sensorimotor brain blood flow were lowered with passive hyperthermia. • Poorer inhibitory control observed after passive heat exposure could have real-world implications such as causing an increase in work-related errors. • Ice ingestion is a viable strategy to limit hyperthermia and avoid heat-related neural deficits. Excessive heat exposure can lead to hyperthermia in humans, which impairs physical performance and disrupts cognitive function. While heat is a known physiological stressor, it is unclear how severe heat stress affects brain physiology and function. Eleven healthy participants were subjected to heat stress from prolonged exercise or warm water immersion until their rectal temperatures (T re) attained 39.5°C, inducing exertional or passive hyperthermia, respectively. In a separate trial, blended ice was ingested before and during exercise as a cooling strategy. Data were compared to a control condition with seated rest (normothermic). Brain temperature (T br), cerebral perfusion, and task-based brain activity were assessed using magnetic resonance imaging techniques. T br in motor cortex was found to be tightly regulated at rest (37.3°C ± 0.4°C (mean ± SD)) despite fluctuations in T re. With the development of hyperthermia, T br increases and dovetails with the rising T re. Bilateral motor cortical activity was suppressed during high-intensity plantarflexion tasks, implying a reduced central motor drive in hyperthermic participants (T re = 38.5°C ± 0.1°C). Global gray matter perfusion and regional perfusion in sensorimotor cortex were reduced with passive hyperthermia. Executive function was poorer under a passive hyperthermic state, and this could relate to compromised visual processing as indicated by the reduced activation of left lateral-occipital cortex. Conversely, ingestion of blended ice before and during exercise alleviated the rise in both T re and T br and mitigated heat-related neural perturbations. Severe heat exposure elevates T br , disrupts motor cortical activity and executive function, and this can lead to impairment of physical and cognitive performance. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Adults with congenital heart defects (CHDs) have an increased risk for cardiovascular complications, but few are in optimal cardiovascular health. Executive function deficits, which are elevated among CHD survivors, may contribute to engagement in behaviors that increase cardiovascular risk. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the association between executive function and the health risk behaviors of tobacco use, saturated fat intake, and insufficient physical activity among young adults with CHDs. Methods: Young adults with CHDs completed the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function–Adult Version, which yields composite and 9 individual domain scores (eg, inhibition, working memory). Participants also completed self-report measures of tobacco use, saturated fat intake, and physical activity. Linear and logistic regression models determined the association between executive function and risky health behaviors, adjusting for demographic factors, disease status, and emotional distress. Results: One in 10 young adults with CHDs reported clinically significant difficulties with global executive function. Difficulties with global executive function were associated with increased tobacco use (P =.018) and greater saturated fat intake (P =.015) but not insufficient physical activity (P =.902). Difficulties with inhibition were specifically associated with increased tobacco use (P =.003) and greater saturated fat intake (P =.007), and problems with self-monitoring were associated with increased tobacco use (P =.017). Conclusions: Executive function difficulties are associated with self-reported engagement in health risk behaviors among young adults with CHDs. Health behavior interventions for adult CHD survivors may require additional modifications that consider executive function problems, particularly difficulties with inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The early accumulation of Aβ and tau in cognitively‐normal people is predictive of future cognitive decline. It has been difficult, however, to disentangle their effects. Aβ and tau target distinct regions in early stages. Frontal‐parietal regions are among the first to show Aβ accumulation and are important for executive control. Temporal regions, especially the medial temporal lobe, are early sites where tau accumulates and are critical for memory. Their differential vulnerability to Aβ and tau allows us to examine whether there are specific pathology‐cognitive associations, where faster decline in memory, beyond its expected level based on executive function, may be related to tau accumulation, and that faster executive function decline may be related to Aβ accumulation. Method: 78 cognitively‐normal older adults from the Berkeley Aging Cohort Study underwent longitudinal 11C‐Pittsburgh compound‐B (PiB) PET, 18F‐flortaucipir (FTP) PET, and cognitive assessments of executive function and memory (Fig‐1A). We used linear mixed‐effects models to estimate longitudinal change in Aβ (Fig‐1B), temporal tau (Fig‐1C), executive function (Fig‐1D), and memory (Fig‐1E). We focused on within‐individual variability in cognitive decline in different domains and computed two cognitive decline residual scores (executive function controlling for memory, Fig‐2A; memory controlling for executive function, Fig‐2B) to represent domain‐specific performance decline. Result: Aβ accumulation across wide‐spread regions, especially frontal/parietal cortex, was associated with faster executive function decline, but not memory, even after controlling for meta‐temporal tau change (Fig‐3A). On the other hand, temporal tau accumulation, especially in the medial temporal regions, was related to faster memory decline, but not executive function, even after controlling for global Aβ change (Fig‐3B). Using raw cognitive slopes, instead of residual scores, yielded stronger associations with both pathologies but reduced the ability to detect specific pathology‐cognition relationships. Conclusion: We found evidence supporting specific associations between accumulating pathology and domain‐specific cognitive decline. The "Aβ‐executive function, tau‐memory" association may reflect specific vulnerabilities in the executive control network and the memory network to different pathology, leading to cognitive decline in different domains. The variability of cognitive decline within the same individual across different domains provides unique information and may be used as behavioral markers for specific pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epidemiologic studies show that multiparity (≥3 children) is associated with a higher risk of clincal AD in cognitively unimpaired (CU) women. However, studies exploring the impact of parity on AD biomarkers are scarce. We explored the association between number of children and imaging and fluid AD biomarkers, and the related interaction with neurodegeneration and cognition. Method: We included 210 CU parous women from the ALFA+ cohort with 34 nulliparous women and 152 men with children as controls. The number of children was dichotomized as <3 children vs ≥3 children. All CSF biomarkers were measured using the Roche NeuroToolKit and Elecsys® immunoassays (both Roche Diagnostics International Ltd), except p‐tau231 and GAP‐43 (ELISA). All plasma biomarkers were measured using the Simoa HD‐X (Quanterix Corp) except sICAM1 (MSD). Jack's cortical thickness AD signature was used as a marker of neurodegeneration. Cognitive change (3‐year follow‐up) was measured with a PACC‐like composite as well as for individual cognitive domains. Biomarkers differences between parity groups were analyzed with ANCOVA adjusted by age. Independent linear models with biomarkers, AD signature and cognitive change as dependent variable were constructed. The number of children was set as predictor, and age, APOE‐ε4, and age at first birth as covariates in all models. Interaction terms between number of children and biomarkers were modeled. p‐values <0.05 were considered as significant. Result: Several biomarkers were significantly higher in grand multiparours women (Table 1). Linear regression results (Table 2, Fig. 1A) showed that multiparity was associated with higher CSF p‐tau181 levels. Moreover, multiparity interacted with CSF p‐tau181 to predict thinner cortical thickness in AD‐sensitive regions and a steeper decline in executive function (Table 2, Fig. 1B & 1C). No significant associations in men and nulliparous women were found. Conclusion: Having ≥3 children increases the risk of higher CSF p‐tau181 levels in CU middle‐aged women, with CSF p‐tau181 having a more deleterious effect on cortical thickness and change on executive function performance. These findings contribute to our understanding of the higher risk for AD observed in CU multiparous women, who show higher susceptibility and more adverse downstream consequences to tau pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The early accumulation of Aß and tau in cognitively‐normal people is predictive of future cognitive decline. It has been difficult, however, to disentangle their effects. Aß and tau target distinct regions in early stages. Frontal‐parietal regions are among the first to show Aß accumulation and are important for executive control. Temporal regions, especially the medial temporal lobe, are early sites where tau accumulates and are critical for memory. Their differential vulnerability to Aß and tau allows us to examine whether there are specific pathology‐cognitive associations, where faster decline in memory, beyond its expected level based on executive function, may be related to tau accumulation, and that faster executive function decline may be related to Aß accumulation. Method: 78 cognitively‐normal older adults from the Berkeley Aging Cohort Study underwent longitudinal 11C‐Pittsburgh compound‐B (PiB) PET, 18F‐flortaucipir (FTP) PET, and cognitive assessments of executive function and memory (Fig‐1A). We used linear mixed‐effects models to estimate longitudinal change in Aß (Fig‐1B), temporal tau (Fig‐1C), executive function (Fig‐1D), and memory (Fig‐1E). We focused on within‐individual variability in cognitive decline in different domains and computed two cognitive decline residual scores (executive function controlling for memory, Fig‐2A; memory controlling for executive function, Fig‐2B) to represent domain‐specific performance decline. Result: Aß accumulation across wide‐spread regions, especially frontal/parietal cortex, was associated with faster executive function decline, but not memory, even after controlling for meta‐temporal tau change (Fig‐3A). On the other hand, temporal tau accumulation, especially in the medial temporal regions, was related to faster memory decline, but not executive function, even after controlling for global Aß change (Fig‐3B). Using raw cognitive slopes, instead of residual scores, yielded stronger associations with both pathologies but reduced the ability to detect specific pathology‐cognition relationships. Conclusion: We found evidence supporting specific associations between accumulating pathology and domain‐specific cognitive decline. The "Aß‐executive function, tau‐memory" association may reflect specific vulnerabilities in the executive control network and the memory network to different pathology, leading to cognitive decline in different domains. The variability of cognitive decline within the same individual across different domains provides unique information and may be used as behavioral markers for specific pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Executive function is an important cognitive factor in gait and balance control. Weakening of balance system components and executive functions due to aging may affect walking and balance and increase the risk of falling. Aims: The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between balance and executive function in older individuals and the contributions of physical activity and depression to this relationship. Methods: A total of 84 healthy individuals aged 60 and over were included in the study. In the study, the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Trail Making Test A and B (TMT A and TMT B), Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) were applied. Results: The Mini-BESTest and TUG correlated with DSST, TMT A, and TMT B. GDS was correlated with TUG. PASE was correlated with Mini-BESTest and TUG. Executive functions differed according to education level; DSST, TMT B, and GDS were effective in fall history. Discussion: There was a significant relationship between balance and executive function. It was found that balance and walking speed increased as executive function skills increased. Depression and physical activity are associated with balance and gait speed. Conclusions: Balance and executive functions are related to each other, and physical activity and depression contribute to this relationship. In order to protect against the negative effects of aging, cognitive and physical training can be performed to prevent balance and executive function declines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extent to which acute exercise improves executive function (EF) remains indeterminate. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the effect of acute ergometer cycling exercise on executive function (EF), including the potential moderating effects of exercise intensity and duration, EF task type, and EF task onset. We searched seven electronic research databases using cycling- and cognition-related terms. All 17 studies included were published in the last 10 years and comprised healthy participants aged 18–35 years who completed tasks assessing a variety of EFs before and after cycling exercise lasting 10–60 min. We analyzed 293 effect sizes obtained from 494 individuals (mean age = 22.07 ± 2.46 yrs). Additional analyses were performed, using averaged effect sizes for each separate study to examine the omnibus effect across studies. There was a positive effect of acute ergometer cycling exercise on response time (RT) in 16 of 17 studies reviewed and a positive effect for response accuracy (RA) in 8 of 14 studies; three studies did not report RA data. Hedges' g effect sizes [95% CI] for RT ranged from 0.06 [-0.45, 0.56] to 1.50 [0.58, 2.43] and for RA from −1.94 [-2.61, −1.28] to 1.03 [0.88, 1.19]. Bouts of cycling completed at moderate intensities appear to have the greatest effect on RT (Hedges' g = 1.03 [0.88, 1.19]) but no significant effect on RA; bouts with durations of 21–30 min appear to offer the greatest benefits for both RT (Hedges' g = 0.77 [0.41, 1.13]) and RA (Hedges' g = 0.92 [0.31, 1.52]). Effect sizes were greatest for RT in inhibitory control tasks (Hedges' g = 0.91 [0.80, 1.03]) and for RT when EF tasks were completed immediately post-exercise (Hedges' g = 1.11 [0.88, 1.33]). moderate-intensity bouts had the greatest effect on RT, SMD = 0.79 (95% CI [0.49, 1.08]), z = 5.20, p < 0.0001, as did cycling durations of 21–30 min, SMD = 0.87 (95% CI [0.58, 1.15], z = 5.95, p < 0.0001. The greatest benefits were derived for inhibitory control tasks, SMD = 0.70 (95% CI [0.43, 0.98]), z = 5.07, p < 0.04, and when the EF task was completed immediately post-exercise, SMD = 0.96 (95% CI [0.51, 1.41]), z = 4.19, p < 0.001. There were no overall effects on RA. Our findings indicate that acute bouts of cycling exercise may be a viable means to enhance RTs in immediately subsequent EF task performance, but moderating and interactive effects of several exercise parameters must also be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Taibah University Medical Sciences is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Importance: Executive function (EF) deficits are common after traumatic brain injury (TBI). During rehabilitation, it is important to identify EF deficits and understand their impact on daily function. The internet-based Bill-Paying Task, modified from the Executive Function Performance Test, has not yet been validated for use with people with TBI. Objective: To examine the known-groups, convergent, and ecological validity of the internet-based Bill-Paying Task for assessing EF deficits after TBI. Design: Cross-sectional study with two consecutive parts based on the study's objectives. Setting: Inpatient rehabilitation and community. Participants: Part 1 included 42 adults with TBI and 47 healthy adults; Part 2 included 28 of the 42 adults with TBI. Measures: Assessments included the Internet-based Bill-Paying Task, WebNeuro neurocognitive computerized battery, Semantic Verbal Fluency test, Behavioural Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome (BADS), Dysexecutive Questionnaire (DEX), and cognitive items of the FIM® and the Functional Assessment Measure (cognitive FIM+FAM). Results: For Part 1, participants with TBI required significantly more cues and longer completion time to perform the internet-based Bill-Paying Task. For Part 2, moderate significant correlations were found between the internet-based Bill-Paying Task total score and the WebNeuro, Semantic Verbal Fluency test, BADS, DEX, and cognitive FIM+FAM. Conclusions and Relevance: This study supports the known-groups, convergent, and ecological validity of the internet-based Bill-Paying Task for assessing EF deficits among adults with preserved basic cognitive abilities after TBI. Therefore, it can be used to assist with rehabilitation treatment planning after TBI. What This Article Adds: The internet-based Bill-Paying Task, an online payment task relevant to today's technological world, is valid to assess higher cognitive abilities of people after a traumatic brain injury. This assessment may contribute to a better understanding of patients' cognitive profiles and their potential impact on daily performance. This study supports the validity and use of the internet-based Bill-Paying Task to identify executive function (EF) deficits and understand the impact on daily function for people with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The Bill-Paying Task can be used to assist with rehabilitation treatment planning for people with TBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Capital Institute of Physical Education is the property of Shoudu Tiyu Xueyuan and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Explore the correlation between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and execution function (EF) of Chinese Tibetan adolescents at high altitude (HA) areas. A cross-sectional survey was used to study 1138 participants aged 13–18 (47.72% boys) at baseline. Lhasa (3650 m), Nagqu (4500 m), Qamdo (3500 m), and Nyingchi (3100 m) in China were chosen. CRF was measured by the 20 m shuttle run test (20mSRT) and a subsequent estimation of their maximal oxygen consumption (V ̇ O 2max) was calculated using the Léger equations. The three core EFs (inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility) were tested by a modified Eriksen flanker, N-back, and a more-odd shifting. The association between CRF and EF was explored by Pearson correlation, one-way ANOVA, and stratified regression. The reaction time (RT) of 1-back, cognitive flexibility with V ̇ O 2max showed a declining trend, (F = 34.475, 27.498, P < 0.01). Interestingly, 2-back RT went up and then went down with V ̇ O 2max. (F = 29.55, P < 0.01). After increasing V ̇ O 2max as a variable, a stratified regression analysis with the RT for 1-back, 2-back, and cognitive flexibility showed that Δ R 2 equaled 0.107 ms, 0.071 ms, and 0.091 ms, respectively (P < 0.01). With V ̇ O 2max increased by 1 mL/kg/min, the RT of 1-back, 2-back, and cognitive flexibility shortened 14.697 ms, 15.689 ms, and 11.771 ms, respectively. CRF was positively associated with working memory, and cognitive flexibility development among Chinese Tibetan adolescents living at HA areas, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Date Presented 03/22/24 Executive function (EF) skills are essential for children, but we often support them around students and not actively with them. This mixed-methods study looked at the impact of a 3-week curriculum directly teaching second graders about EF skills. Primary Author and Speaker: Lisa Raymond-Tolan Contributing Authors: Theresa Arcidiacono, Cassandra Panzarino, Amber Vazquez, Cj Letterese, Jennifer Sigler, Kelly Farah Khadam-Hir [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study compares the effects of coding education with educational robot (Bee-Bot) and unplugged coding activities on preschool students' computational thinking and executive function skills. • This study found a statistically significant difference in favor of the educational robot group between the post-test scores of computational thinking skills. • It was observed that there was no statistically significant difference between the post-test scores of both groups in terms of total executive function skills scores. • It was determined that there was no significant difference in computational thinking and executive function skills according to gender. This study compares the effects of coding education with educational robot and unplugged coding activities on pre-school students' computational thinking and executive function skills. This study used a pre-test and post-test comparison group quasi-experimental design. The study was conducted in a public kindergarten with 48 pre-school students (24 educational robot- BeeBot® group and 24-unplugged coding group) aged 5-6. The TechCheck-K test was used to measure computational thinking skills, and Executive Functions Battery-Computerized Touch was used to measure executive function skills. The process started with pre-test applications and ended with post-tests after four weeks (16 different sessions) of the implementation in both groups. The study found a statistically significant difference between the computational thinking pre-test and post-test scores of pre-school students in both groups in favor of the post-test. It was determined that there was a statistically significant difference in favor of the educational robot group between the post-test scores of computational thinking skills. In addition, when the findings regarding executive functions were evaluated, there was a statistically significant difference between the pre-test and post-test scores of total executive function in favor of the post-test in both groups. However, it was observed that there was no statistically significant difference between the post-test scores of both groups in terms of total executive function skills scores. In addition, when the post-test scores of pre-school students in two groups were evaluated, it was determined that there was no significant difference in computational thinking and executive function skills according to gender. Consequently, it was determined that coding education with an educational robot was more effective for gaining computational thinking skills than unplugged coding activities for pre-school students. However, it was observed that there was no difference between the two groups in terms of the development of executive function skills in pre-school education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Executive function (EF) involves a general cognitive process linked to strategic organization and control of complex goal-oriented tasks. In young-onset dementia (YOD), especially Alzheimer's disease, the symptoms that stand out in the initial stage are deficits in attention, visual-spatial function, praxis, and language. The present study aims to investigate what components of EF differ in young and late-onset dementia (LOD) and its impact on awareness and its domains. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, we included 44 people with YOD and 70 with LOD. We assessed awareness and its domains, cognition, dementia severity, EF, functionality, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Results: The YOD group was more impaired in general cognition ( P =0.017) and had a worse performance in Wechsler Digit Span Backward (DSB) ( P =0.007) and Phonemic fluency task (FAS) ( P =0.046) tests. In the LOD group, deficits in EF had a greater impact on awareness and on most domains (awareness total score, cognitive functioning and health condition, functional activity impairments and social function). Conclusions: Our study findings support the heterogeneity of awareness, not only with regard to the difference between the domains and the measures of EF, but also to the groups studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Date Presented 03/22/24 Memory and executive function predict social participation in Parkinson's disease (PD). It is important to tailor cognitive rehabilitation strategies based on cognitive function to promote social participation in PD. Primary Author and Speaker: Moon Young Kim Contributing Authors: Erin R. Foster [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We examined the extent to which behavioral ratings of children's executive function (EF) in early adolescence predicted adolescents' cannabis use, and whether associations were independent of parents' cannabis and alcohol use and adolescents' alcohol use. Method: Participants were 198 offspring (44% boys) of 127 mothers and 106 fathers. Parents and teachers completed the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) at ages 11-14 years. Youth were interviewed repeatedly from ages 14 to 20 years regarding frequency of cannabis and alcohol use. Two-level models regressed dichotomous cannabis outcomes (annual, weekly, or daily use) on age at the within-person level and the random intercept of cannabis use on EF, parent substance use, and covariates (age 7 IQ indicators, child gender, parent education, and mean of ages assessed) at the between-person level. Results: Poorer child EF predicted significantly (p Conclusions: Children exhibiting poorer EF were more likely to use cannabis weekly and daily in later adolescence. Whereas literature suggests poorer EF may be a consequence of cannabis use, these findings suggest EF should be considered prior to cannabis use initiation. EF during childhood may be a fruitful prevention target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examined executive function (EF) abilities, behavioral and emotional (BE) issues, and overall quality of life (QoL) of adolescents with obesity and compared them with a control group and also aimed to investigate whether the presence of insulin resistance (IR) is associated with these problems. This cross-sectional study included a sample of 50 adolescents aged 11–18 years with obesity and age- and gender-matched 50 normal weight adolescents who had attended and were treated at the pediatric outpatient clinic. Sociodemographic data were collected through personal interviews with the adolescents and their parents. Measurements of the height and weight, fasting blood glucose, and insulin levels of all adolescents were assessed. In addition, the participants and their parents completed the Kiddo-KINDL, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and the Behavior Rating Inventory Scale from Executive Function. Of the 50 adolescents with obesity, 27 (54.0 %) were girls, and 23 (46.0 %) were boys, with a mean age of 14.06 ± 1.83 years. Adolescents with obesity have more EF deficiencies, BE difficulties, more problems in peer relationships and lower QoL scores than those without obesity. The QoL was worse in girls, adolescents with obesity, and those with IR. Adolescents with obesity and those with and without IR did not differ about EF deficiencies and BE problems. Addressing these EF deficits and BE problems in interventions for adolescents who have difficulty adapting to lifestyle changes, an essential part of obesity treatment in clinical practice, may contribute to treatment success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has demonstrated the positive effects of different types of physical activity, especially aquatic therapy for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As such, this study aimed to examine the effect of a response-oriented approach using aquatic exercise for children with ASD on motor skills and executive function. In this quasi-experimental design, 40 children aged 7-10 years were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a response-oriented aquatic exercise (ROA) group (n=20) or a control (CON) group (n=20). The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency second edition - Short Form (BOTMP-2) and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) were used to assess motor skill and executive function, respectively. Significant (p≤0.05) differences were found between the ROA and CON groups in receiving (F=38.94, p=0.001) and throwing (F=33.05, p=0.001), static balance (F=44.89, p=0.002), dynamic balance (F=48.51, p=0.010), correct responses (F=3.60, p=0.010), conceptual responses (F=0.34, p=0.010) and perseverative errors (F=1.57, p=0.040). Aquatic exercise was found to be an effective intervention for children with ASD in that it decreases motor deficits and improves executive function. This study provides families, teachers and other specialists with exercise optionality that may be exciting and motivational to children with ASD due to its responseoriented approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The effects of physical activity on executive function in the older with AD or related dementia have produced conflicting results. • Physical activity interventions were beneficial for promoting overall executive function and planning in older adults with AD or related dementia. • There was no positive effects of physical activity interventions on inhibitory control working, working memory and cognitive flexibility. • The positive effects of physical activity on overall executive function was moderated by type, intensity, total duration, frequency of exercise, age and diagnosis, while session length may be potential moderators. To date quantitative meta-analysis with large samples to investigate the effects and potential moderators of physical activity (PA) on executive function (EF) in older adults with dementia is insufficient. Therefore, we conducted this meta-analysis. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Old people with Alzheimer's disease (AD) or related dementia of varying types and severity as the primary diagnosis. PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library and Embase databases were searched for relevant studies published from 01 January, 2010 to 01 March, 2022. The results of executive function were reported in all RCTs. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to calculate the size of effects. Subgroup analyses of three moderators (including the specific sub-domains of EF, exercise prescription variables, and sample characteristics) were performed. Eighteen RCTs were included with a combined sample size of 1366. Overall, PA interventions improved overall EF (standardized mean difference [SMD]=0.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.05 to 0.41, p< 0.05). The EF sub-domain "planning" was significant moderator (SMD=0.31, 95%CI 0.11 to 1.51, p< 0.01), but inhibitory control, working memory and cognitive flexibility were not significant. Regarding exercise prescription variables, type of resistance training; moderate intensity; total duration ≤24 weeks and short (once or twice a week) frequency improved overall EF performance. Session length may be a moderator. Regarding sample characteristics, old-old, AD and both dementia and AD had significant benefits. EF in older adults with AD or related dementia benefited from physical activity, and the benefit was affected by the type, intensity, total duration, frequency of exercise. Physical activity can be an alternative intervention in aging patients with dementia, to improve EF performance or prevent or EF decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Effects of chronic arterial stiffness on brain aging remain unclear. We, therefore, examined whether long‐term trajectories of pulse pressure (PP) predicted brain microstructure, microstructure mediated PP‐executive function associations, and APOE genotype modified PP‐microstructure associations. Methods: We examined associations of PP trajectories with brain microstructure measured using restriction spectrum imaging in 146 community‐dwelling older adults, whether microstructure mediated PP trajectory‐executive function associations, and whether PP‐restriction spectrum imaging correlations were modified by APOE‐ε4 status. Results: Participants with trajectories of high PP had lower restricted isotropic diffusion (RI) compared to those with low PP trajectories and PP‐executive function associations were mediated by subcortical and white matter RI. High PP more strongly correlated with lower RI and higher hindered diffusion among APOE‐ε4 carriers than non‐carriers. Discussion: Prolonged elevated PP predicts microstructural abnormalities which may contribute to impaired executive function. APOE‐ε4 carriers may be most vulnerable to the adverse effects of PP on brain microstructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studying modifiable psychosocial contributors to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) is crucial to inform approaches for ADRD prevention, especially among those with less education, lower neighborhood quality, and heightened discrimination. These three social determinants of health confer increased ADRD risk. Perceived control is an important psychosocial resource for cognitive health. Most prior work, however, focuses exclusively on global aspects of control, ignoring influences of more dynamic aspects of control over specific experiences in daily life, such as daily stressor control. Method: We used data from the Midlife in the United States study and the National Study of Daily Experiences (N = 1,651, Mage = 62.09, SE = 12.11, 56.65% Female) to address this gap and examine the roles of daily stressor control and social determinants of health in cognitive performance. Over 8 consecutive days in the second and third waves of data collection, respondents reported their perceived control over stressors they had experienced. Respondents also completed assessments of education, neighborhood quality, perceived discrimination, and a telephone‐based battery of tests measuring executive function (EF) and episodic memory (EM). We employed multilevel modeling to assess associations of daily stressor control and social determinants of health with cognitive performance. Result: EF was higher among people with more education and those with less perceived discrimination (ps<.001), but was not related to daily stressor control (p>.05). Greater daily stressor control, more education, and better neighborhood quality was related to better EM (ps<.05). A stressor control by discrimination interaction showed that greater stressor control was associated with better EM among those with comparatively less perceived discrimination (p<.01). Conclusion: Daily stressor control may serve as a psychosocial resource for cognitive health, but the strength of its relationship with cognitive performance varied by perceived discrimination. Promoting stressor control may be beneficial for cognitive health among those with comparatively less perceived discrimination, but more research is needed to clarify psychosocial resources that could buffer against the impacts of heightened discrimination on cognitive health disparities in the US. Future work should examine longitudinal relationships to clarify the predictive utility of stressor control for cognitive health and the daily mechanisms that may explain these associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate postoperative functional connectivity (FC) alterations across impaired cognitive domains and their causal relationships with systemic inflammation. Background: Postoperative cognitive dysfunction commonly occurs after cardiac surgery, and both systemic and neuroinflammation may trigger its development. Whether FC alterations underlying deficits in specific cognitive domains after cardiac surgery are affected by inflammation remains unclear. Methods: Seventeen patients, who underwent cardiac valve replacement, completed a neuropsychological test battery and brain MRI scan before surgery and on days 7 and 30 after surgery compared to age-matched healthy controls. Blood samples were taken for tumor necrosis factor-a and interleukin-6 measurements. Seed-to-voxel FC of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) was examined. Bivariate correlation and linear regression models were used to determine the relationships among cognitive function, FC alterations, and cytokines. Results: Executive function was significantly impaired after cardiac surgery. At day 7 follow-up, the surgical patients, compared to the controls, demonstrated significantly decreased DLPFC FC with the superior parietal lobe and attenuated negative connectivity in the default mode network, including the angular gyrus and posterior cingulate cortex. The left DLPFC enhanced the connectivity in the right DLPFC and posterior cingulate cortex, all of which were related to the increased tumor necrosis factor-a and decreased executive function up to day 7 after cardiac surgery. Conclusions: The decreased FC of executive control network and its anticorrelation with the default mode network may contribute to executive function deficits after cardiac surgery. Systemic inflammation may trigger these transient FC changes and executive function impairments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to identify the efficacy of a training program based on executive function skills in developing language competence for Students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study employed the quasi-experimental approach. The study sample comprised 48 male and female students with autism disorder from mentally handicapped institutes in Saudi Arabia, during the academic year 2021-2022. The validity and reliability of the study tools were verified. The researcher designed a language competence scale for training on the development of executive function skills for such students, and concluded that there are differences with statistical significance at the function level (a ≤ 0.05) between the total means of students' grades on the scale of the two groups, experimental group (using the program) and the control counterpart (which uses the regular one). It also revealed differences with statistical significance between grade means of the two groups, the experimental and the control, in the two domains of language competence (receptive and expressive) that might be attributed to the training program variable. Furthermore, there were no differences with statistical significance between means of students' grades of the two groups: the experimental and control on the total post-application scale of language competence which might be attributed to gender variable. The researcher recommended employing an executive function skills program for all students with disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impulsivity and cognitive function are essential for understanding behavioral regulation, particularly in relation to health-risk behaviors like substance use, physical activity, and academic performance. This study examined the factor structure underlying executive function in adolescents using the UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale and NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery. We explored how parental monitoring moderates, and peer network health and perceived stress mediate, relationships between cognitive function and outcomes such as BMI, physical activity, and academic performance. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) on 2228 observations identified a four-factor model (BIC = −97.92, RMSEA = 0.040, TLI = 0.936), validated by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) (CFI = 0.961, RMSEA = 0.055). Structural equation modeling (SEM) on 5902 observations showed that parental monitoring moderated Factor 1 (adaptive impulsivity) in relation to physical activity and academic performance, while peer network health mediated Factor 2 (emotional impulsivity) effects on BMI and physical activity. This model underscores the influence of peer relationships, parental involvement, and stress on cognitive, health, and academic outcomes, suggesting that interventions enhancing peer support, reducing stress, and promoting healthy behaviors may improve adolescent well-being. [Display omitted] • A four-factor model of impulsivity and cognition was identified and validated. • Parental monitoring moderated the impact of impulsivity on physical activity & grades. • Peer network health mediated emotional impulsivity's effect on BMI & activity. • Factor 4 (attention/executive function) was linked to BMI & activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Developed Executive Function Training (EFT) Curriculum in early childhood. • Implementing educational research design (EDR) to design and develop an EFT curriculum. • Adapt the construction of Wongwanich's (2020) design principal approach to McKenney and Reeves's (2019) EDR as a more challenging theory construction in EDR. • Focus on advancing EFT curriculum development methodology through the theory adaptation of EDR in early childhood. • Provided new theory construction into EFT curriculum's application in early childhood classroom challenges. Emotional intelligence (EI) is vital for early childhood development and is closely linked to executive function (EF). EF is a foundation of cognitive ability in early childhood. Educational design research (EDR) offers an adaptive methodology for curriculum development. This study aimed to (1) analyze and explore perspectives for designing an executive function training (EFT) curriculum to enhance EI, (2) design and develop the EFT curriculum, and (3) evaluate and reflect on the EFT curriculum. The research underscores the need to enhance EI, social skills, self-help abilities, and positive attitudes in early childhood students. Developed through a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders, the EFT curriculum aligns with Thailand's Ministry of Education standards. It significantly improves EI scores across six assessments of EI's five elements: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and adeptness in relationships. The EFT curriculum emphasizes inhibitory control, shift/cognitive flexibility, emotional control, working memory, planning/organizing, and incorporating sleep to support cognitive and emotional development, a total of 150 hours. Developed with stakeholder input and rigorous design principles, the EFT curriculum prepares children for future learning and life challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to examine the effect of an acute bout of circuit-base exercise on executive function, visual perception and sleep parameters in neurodiverse children. After familiarisation, 34 children (4 female) with ADHD and/or ASD completed two trials (30-min circuit-based exercise (E) or a rested control (C) trial) in a randomised, counterbalanced, crossover design. Participants completed cognitive function tests (Stroop test, Sternberg Paradigm and Visual Search Test) at baseline, immediately post-exercise, and the morning after exercise. Participants were provided with a wrist actigraph to wear overnight to determine sleep duration, wake after sleep onset, sleep efficiency, and sleep latency. Statistical analyses were conducted via ANCOVA, with diagnosis included as a covariate. Accuracy on the Stroop test (complex level) was better maintained following circuit-based exercise when compared with rest immediately post-exercise (E: 1.88% decreased accuracy; C: 4.73% decreased accuracy, p = 0.009), and on day two (E: 1.22% increased accuracy; C: 6.37% decreased accuracy; p < 0.001). Accuracy on the Sternberg Paradigm (5-item level) was improved immediately post-exercise on the exercise trial when compared with rest (E: 0.37% decreased accuracy; C: 7.29% decreased accuracy; p = 0.011). Improvements in accuracy across both tests were at the expense of response time, which was slower on the exercise trial (all p < 0.05). Sleep parameters did not differ across trials (all p > 0.05). Moderate intensity circuit-based exercise is an ecologically valid exercise modality that, acutely, improves executive function (compared to rest), which may alleviate the impaired executive function in children with ADHD and ASD. • Examined acute effect of circuit-based exercise on cognition in ADHD/ASD children. • Improved inhibitory control and working memory in neurodiverse children. • Improved executive function occurred immediately post-exercise and into day two. • Neurodiverse children were happier following the circuit-based exercise. • Circuit-based exercise could be used to manage common symptoms of ADHD/ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is more prevalent in women than men, and robust evidence shows sex differences in the biological response to the AD neuropathological cascade. However, there is a lack of large‐scale genetic studies on sex‐specific genetic predictors of AD‐related cognitive outcomes. Thus, we sought to elucidate the sex‐specific genetic etiology of memory, executive function, and language performance. Method: This study included six cohorts of cognitive aging (Nmales=7,267, Nfemales=9,518). We applied psychometric approaches to build harmonized memory, executive function, and language composite scores. Next, for all domains, we calculated slopes from the cognitive scores (two or more timepoints) with linear mixed effects models. Then we performed sex‐stratified and sex‐interaction GWAS on these phenotypes, covarying for baseline age and the first three genetic principal components. We meta‐analyzed across cohorts with a fixed‐effects model. Sensitivity analyses for all models restricted the sample to cognitively unimpaired individuals. Result: In addition to well‐established associations with cognition at the APOE locus, we identified three genetic loci that showed sex‐specific effects with cognition. A chromosome 16 locus (rs114106271), a splicing‐quantitative trait locus for RP11‐152O14.4 and LINC02180 in the testis (GTEx), associated with baseline memory performance in men (β=0.13, P=2.40×10‐8; PInteraction=8.96×10‐6; Figures 1‐2) but not in women (β=‐0.01, P=0.76). A chromosome 14 locus (rs34074573), an expression‐quantitative trait locus (GTEx) for HOMEZ (a homeobox gene), and for BCL2L2 (a previously reported AD risk gene), associated with longitudinal memory performance in men (β=‐0.01, P=4.15×10‐8; PInteraction=5.83×10‐7; Figures 3‐4) but not in women (β=0.001, P=0.09). Finally, a chromosome 6 locus (rs9382966) associated with longitudinal language performance in men with near genome‐wide significance (β=‐0.004, P=6.29×10‐8; PInteraction=2.01×10‐4) but not in women (β=‐0.0003, P=0.61). Conclusion: Our results highlight some key sex differences in the genetic architecture of cognitive outcomes. Findings further suggest that some sex‐specific genetic predictors have domain‐specific associations, providing an exciting opportunity to better understand the molecular basis of memory, executive function, and language through genomic analysis. Although our findings need to be replicated, our GWAS analyses highlight the contribution of sex‐specific genetic predictors beyond the APOE locus in conferring risk for late‐life cognitive decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Participation in meaningful activities is an important aspect of development in children with developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The purpose of this study was to assess the correlation of school participation with motor proficiency and executive function in children with ASD. Materials & Methods In this cross-sectional (descriptive-analytic) study, 52 students aged 6 to 12 years old with ASD were selected through the convenience sampling method. The GARS-2 scale was used to confirm ASD diagnosis. Other psychiatric comorbidities such as ADHA were studied by the CSI-4 tool, and students with comorbidities were excluded. Data were collected using SFA, BOTMP-2, and BRIEF questionnaires. It should be noted that in the BRIEF questionnaire, a higher score indicates a more severe disability. Results Our findings showed that motor proficiency and its components had a significant direct correlation with school participation in children with ASD (P ≤ 0.001). On the other hand, school participation was inversely and significantly correlated with the behavioral regulation and metacognition monitoring indices of the executive function dimension (P <0.05). Conclusion Based on the findings of this research, the development of motor proficiency and improvements in the behavioral regulation and metacognition monitoring of students with ASD will boost their participation in school activities. Motor proficiency was significantly correlated with school participation in children with ASD. More attention should be paid to perceptual motor interventions and cognitive rehabilitation programs (with a focus on monitoring metacognition and shifting behavioral regulation) to increase the participation of children with ASD in school activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]