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Aging-Related Changes in Memory and Cognition

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A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Neurodegenerative Diseases".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 7140

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Dr. Anna Christakou

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1. Lab Biomechanics, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Peloponnese, 23100 Sparta, Greece
2. Department of Physiotherapy, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
Interests: aging; quality of life; cognitive/physical health; neurodegenerative diseases; geriatric physiotherapy; memory; cognition; attention; prevention; therapeutic treatments

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is well established that aging promotes the deterioration of cognitive function and is the primary risk factor for the development of prevalent neurological disorders. Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia may damage brain tissue. Other diseases which are more common in older adults, such as diabetes and heart disease, can also compromise cognitive function. Medications, poor vision and hearing, sleep problems, and emotional disturbances can also interfere with brain function, and thus cognitive ability. This cognitive deterioration may cause a poor quality of life for older people.

This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in aging-related changes in memory and cognition research, emphasizing current insights and exploring future directions for effective diagnosis, treatment, and management. This Special Issue will provide a platform for all health scientists to research important breakthroughs in new prevention and therapeutic approaches in this field.

We seek to gather cutting-edge research and expert opinions that can deepen our understanding of aging-related changes in memory, cognition and slowed information processing, and pave the way for novel prevention and therapeutic approaches so that older people can have a good quality of life, i.e., non-pharmacological therapies such as exercise, mind–body techniques, diet counseling, neuropsychological treatments, strategies to slow memory and cognition’s degeneration, etc.

Research articles, review articles, and short communications are invited. Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers).

Dr. Anna Christakou
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Brain Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

aging
quality of life
cognitive/physical health
neurodegenerative diseases
geriatric physiotherapy
memory
cognition
attention
prevention
therapeutic treatments

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review, Other

18 pages, 893 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Greek Version of the Mild Behavioral Impairment Checklist (MBI-C): Psychometric Properties in Mild Cognitive Impairment Due to Alzheimer’s Disease

by Efthalia Angelopoulou, Evangelia Stanitsa, Maria Hatzopoulou, Akylina Despoti, Niki Tsinia, Vasiliki Kamtsadeli, Marina Papadogiani, Vasilis Kyriakidis, Sokratis Papageorgiou and John D. Papatriantafyllou

Brain Sci. 2025, 15(5), 462; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15050462 - 27 Apr 2025

Viewed by 757

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Mild behavioral impairment (MBI) is an early marker of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative diseases, often preceding cognitive decline. The MBI Checklist (MBI-C) is a 34-item tool designed to detect MBI. This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Greek version of the MBI-C and its ability to differentiate patients with mild cognitive impairment due to AD (MCI-AD) from cognitively unimpaired older adults (healthy participants, HPs). Methods: A total of 181 participants (104 MCI-AD, 77 HPs) were recruited from the Third Age Day Care Center IASIS (2019–2023), accompanied by a close informant. Participants underwent neuropsychological assessment [Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R)], and informants completed the MBI-C. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach’s α and known-group validity was assessed via comparing MBI-C between the MCI-AD and HPs groups. Diagnostic accuracy was determined via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results: The Greek MBI-C showed excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.899). Among its domains, impulse dyscontrol demonstrated the highest reliability (α = 0.901), whereas decreased motivation (α = 0.564) and abnormal perception/thought content (α = 0.617) exhibited lower reliability. MBI-C total and domain scores were significantly higher in patients with MCI-AD than HPs (p < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.871 (optimal cutoff = 9.5), indicating excellent diagnostic performance. Conclusions: Overall, the Greek MBI-C has strong psychometric properties for MCI-AD. Sociocultural factors might influence symptom identification and reporting, particularly in the domains of decreased motivation and abnormal perception/thought content. Future research should investigate its predictive value for dementia conversion and its applicability to other populations, including individuals with subjective cognitive decline and non-AD causes of MCI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging-Related Changes in Memory and Cognition)

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15 pages, 603 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cognitive Impairment-Associated Risk Factors of Parkinson’s Disease: A Hospital-Based Study in a Cohort of Upper Egypt Parkinson’s Patients

by Eman M. Khedr, Khaled Aboshaera, Ahmed A. Karim, Mohammad A. Korayem, Gellan K. Ahmed and Doaa M. Mahmoud

Brain Sci. 2025, 15(5), 459; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15050459 - 27 Apr 2025

Viewed by 291

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Cognitive impairment (CI) in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a major burden and significantly affects patients’ quality of life. Previous studies found that older age at onset and presence of the akinetic–rigid (AR) subtype are associated with an increased likelihood of CI in PD. The present study aimed to assess factors that are related to the development of CI in PD. Methods: Eighty-three PD patients were consecutively recruited. Demographic information, clinical details, Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS), walking speed, and instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) were assessed. Resting motor threshold (rMT), was also assessed for subgroup of patients with versus without cognitive impairment. Results: According to the MoCA cut-off score of 26, 45 had PD without CI (PD-NCI) (54.22%) and 38 cases (45.78%) had PD with CI (PD-CI). The age and age at onset were significantly older in the PD-CI group (p = 0.006 and 0.018, respectively). The patients were reclassified into AR and tremor-dominant (TR) phenotype. PD-CI patients were more likely to have the AR (81.6%). Walking speed, MDS-UPDRS score, and IADL scores were significantly worse in PD-CI than in PD-NCI. Stepwise linear regression analysis of risk factors associated CI revealed that higher MDS-UPDRS scores, later age of onset, and higher rMT values were considered risk factors for developing CI. Conclusions: Higher UPDRS score, later age of onset, and higher rMT values were considered as risk factors associated CI in PD patients and provide valuable insights for further investigation and potential clinical considerations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging-Related Changes in Memory and Cognition)

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14 pages, 235 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Normative Data for the D-KEFS Tower Test in Greek Adult Population Between 20 and 85 Years Old

by Marianna Tsatali, Despina Eleftheriadou, Nikoleta Palla, Magda Tsolaki and Despina Moraitou

Brain Sci. 2025, 15(3), 278; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15030278 - 6 Mar 2025

Viewed by 697

Abstract

Background: The Delis–Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS) Tower Test (TT) is a widely used neuropsychological tool that assesses complex executive functions, including planning, cognitive flexibility, inhibition, switching, and impulsivity—key abilities often impaired in individuals with frontal dysfunction. Aims: There is currently no normative data for the D-KEFS TT in the Greek population. Consequently, it cannot be effectively used to detect executive dysfunction in neurological and psychiatric populations or for research purposes. Methods: The study sample included 249 healthy adults (28.9% male, 71.1% female) aged 20 to 85 years (M = 46.53, SD = 17.41), with educational levels ranging from secondary school graduates to master’s degree holders. Pearson correlation was used to examine the relationship between age and D-KEFS TT performance, while chi-square test assessed the effects of education and gender. Normative data were then derived from raw scores and converted into percentiles. Results: Norms were established for the following D-KEFS TT variables: Total Achievement Score, Total Rule Violations, Move Accuracy Ratio, Mean First Move Time, and Time-per-Move Ratio. Age was the strongest predictor of performance, and normative data were stratified accordingly for the Greek adult population. Conclusions: This study introduces the D-KEFS TT as a neuropsychological assessment tool for Greek adults across different age groups to evaluate complex executive functions throughout the lifespan. Unlike other D-KEFS tests, the TT had not previously been adapted for the Greek population. This study is the first to provide normative data, supporting its use in clinical practice and research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging-Related Changes in Memory and Cognition)

14 pages, 283 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Mental Imagery on Quality of Life, Cognitive, and Emotional Status in Older Adults with Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

by Anna Christakou, Christina Bouzineki, Marousa Pavlou, George Stranjalis and Vasiliki Sakellari

Brain Sci. 2024, 14(12), 1260; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14121260 - 16 Dec 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1358

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Dementia is a syndrome which involves cognitive and motor problems such as memory and motor control that impacts the individuals’ quality of life. In mental imagery (MI) technique, motor acts are mentally rehearsed without any overt body movements. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of MI on the quality of life, cognitive, and emotional status of older adults with an early stage of dementia. Methods: The present randomized controlled trial consisted of 160 participants. The sample from an Athens Day Care Center of the Alzheimer Association was randomized to (a) the MI and exercise group (intervention group, n = 55), (b) the only exercise group (1st control group, n = 52), and (c) the neither MI nor exercise group (2nd control group, n = 53). Participants engaged in a total of 24 physiotherapy sessions, each lasting approximately 45 min, scheduled twice weekly over a 12-week period. They performed three assessments: (a) one week prior to the program, (b) one and a half months, and (c) after the program. The intervention group performed a 30 min MI with exercise program content immediately following every physiotherapy exercise session. Walking While Talking Test (WWITT), the Euro-Qol 5-Dimensions 5-Level of severity scale (Euro-Qol 5D-5L scale), the Short-Form of Geriatric Depression Scale (SF-GDS), and the Short Anxiety Screening Test (SAST) were used to assess cognitive status, emotional status, and quality of life. Results: A total of 160 participants (43 men, 117 women, with MMSE M = 23.20 SD = 0.15) took part in this study in which most reported holding a university degree (n = 77), were married (n = 101), and had loss of memory as the 1st symptom of dementia (n= 117). The Friedman test revealed statistically significant differences across the three groups on (a) the WWITT_mistakes (X² = 14.95, df = 2, p = 0.001) and WWITT_time (X² = 13.35, df = 2, p = 0.01), (b) the total Euro-Qol 5D-5L scale (X² = 11.87.62, df = 2, p = 0.003) and quality of life on the measuring day (X² = 25.59, df = 2, p = 0.00), (c) the SF-GDS (X² = 6.54, df = 2, p = 0.038), and (d) the SAST (X² = 39.907.62, df = 2, p = 0.00). The Friedman test with post hoc Wilcoxon analysis revealed that the mean scores for the intervention group and the 1st control were significantly better than the 2nd control group in many dependent variables. Conclusions: The results indicate that incorporating MI can positively influence cognitive status, emotional status, and the quality of life in older adults diagnosed with early-stage dementia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging-Related Changes in Memory and Cognition)

17 pages, 791 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Positive and Negative Affect Differentially Predict Individual Differences and Intra-Individual Changes in Daily Cognitive Failures in Younger and Older Adults

by Ysabel A. Guevarra, Nadyanna M. Majeed, Eva M. Hisham and Andree Hartanto

Brain Sci. 2024, 14(12), 1259; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14121259 - 15 Dec 2024

Viewed by 981

Abstract

(1) Background: Cognitive failures, including lapses in attention, memory, and executive functioning, can negatively affect daily performance and well-being. Negative and positive affectivity have been implicated in cognitive functioning, yet their relationship with cognitive failures remains underexplored. This study investigates the impact of positive and negative affect on cognitive failures, using daily diary methods to examine both within-person and between-person associations in a sample of younger adults from Singapore and adults across the lifespan from the United States (US). (2) Methods: Participants (Singapore: N = 253, US: N = 1726) completed daily diaries over seven (Singapore) or eight (US) consecutive days. Multilevel modelling was used to analyse both within- and between-person relationships between affect and cognitive failures, controlling for demographic and socioeconomic variables. (3) Results: In both the Singapore and US samples, negative affect was consistently positively associated with cognitive failures at both levels (SG within-person: β = 0.21, p < 0.001; SG between-person: β = 0.58, p < 0.001; US within-person: β = 0.08, p < 0.001; US between-person: β = 0.28, p < 0.001), supporting the influence of negative affective experiences on cognitive lapses. However, positive affect showed no significant associations with daily cognitive failures in the Singapore sample (within-person: β = 0.01, p = 0.683; between-person: β = −0.04, p = 0.484) and only a between-person negative association in the US sample (within-person: β = 0.02, p = 0.157; between-person: β = −0.11, p < 0.001). (4) Conclusion: These findings suggest that positive and negative affect differentially influence individual differences and intra-individual changes in daily cognitive failures among both younger and older adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging-Related Changes in Memory and Cognition)

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Review

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15 pages, 431 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Song for the Mind: A Literature Review on Singing and Cognitive Health in Aging Populations

by Panagiota Tragantzopoulou and Vaitsa Giannouli

Brain Sci. 2025, 15(3), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15030227 - 21 Feb 2025

Viewed by 1645

Abstract

Background/Objectives: As the global population ages, the need for effective nonpharmacological interventions to support cognitive health has become increasingly urgent. Singing has been identified as a promising strategy to enhance cognitive function and emotional well-being in older adults. While substantial research has focused on the neurocognitive benefits of musical training, the specific effects of singing on neuroplasticity and cognition in aging populations remain underexplored. Methods: This review synthesizes findings from PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar to examine the impact of singing on cognitive health, particularly in mitigating cognitive decline and promoting mental well-being. Results: Key benefits of singing include improvements in verbal fluency, executive function, and episodic memory. Structural changes such as increased white matter integrity and enhanced auditory–motor integration highlight the potential of singing to stimulate neuroplasticity. Among individuals with dementia, singing fosters episodic memory, mood enhancement, and social connection, while healthy older adults demonstrate improved verbal flexibility and cognitive resilience. However, methodological limitations, such as small sample sizes and cross-sectional designs, preclude definitive conclusions about long-term benefits. Conclusions: Future research should explore the specific neural mechanisms underlying these effects, with an emphasis on longitudinal studies and diverse populations. Tailored, inclusive singing programs could address individual cognitive and physical abilities while fostering sustained engagement and social connection. As a low-cost, scalable intervention, singing holds promise for addressing cognitive and emotional challenges associated with aging, offering an accessible avenue to support healthy aging and enhance quality of life across diverse populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging-Related Changes in Memory and Cognition)

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Other

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17 pages, 488 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Dysautonomia in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Systematic Review

by Marianna Papadopoulou, Maria-Ioanna Stefanou, Eleni Bakola, Christos Moschovos, Athanasia Athanasaki, Evdoxia Tsigkaropoulou, Ioannis Michopoulos, George P. Paraskevas, Rossetos Gournellis and Georgios Tsivgoulis

Brain Sci. 2025, 15(5), 502; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15050502 - 14 May 2025

Viewed by 169

Abstract

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. In addition to cognitive decline, non-cognitive symptoms, including dysautonomia, have been reported, although these symptoms are rarely acknowledged by patients. Dysautonomia in AD is thought to arise from either cholinergic deficits or hypothalamic involvement. A wide range of tests has been used to investigate the role of the autonomic nervous system; however, the results have been inconsistent. Aim: To systematically review all published research investigating autonomic nervous system (ANS) involvement in patients with AD. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in December 2024 across the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. Results: A total of 1422 records were identified, of which 30 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Several autonomic tests were employed, with Heart Rate Variability (HRV) being the most frequently used. Other tests included assessments of orthostatic hypotension (OH), postprandial hypotension (PPH), sympathetic skin response (SSR), the tilt test, 123I-MIBG cardiac scintigraphy, norepinephrine (NE) measurements in serum and cerebrospinal fluid, and baroreflex sensitivity. In most studies, AD patients were compared to either healthy controls or patients with other types of dementia. Discussion: The primary finding of this review is that, although patients with AD rarely report dysautonomic symptoms, they frequently exhibit abnormal results on various autonomic tests. In some cases, these findings were sufficient to differentiate AD patients from healthy controls as well as from patients with Diffuse Lewy Body disease (DLB). The inconsistency in reporting symptoms, along with the variability in test results, suggests that autonomic dysfunction in AD may be under-recognized and warrants further investigation. Conclusions: The heterogeneity of the included studies limits the generalizability of the results. However, given the potential impact of dysautonomia on both quality of life and mortality, it is recommended that AD patients be systematically assessed for autonomic dysfunction. Even in the absence of overt symptoms, appropriate treatment should be considered where indicated to mitigate potential risks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging-Related Changes in Memory and Cognition)

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18 pages, 1393 KiB

Open AccessHypothesis

Cortico–Cortical Paired Associative Stimulation (ccPAS) in Ageing and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Quali-Quantitative Approach to Potential Therapeutic Mechanisms and Applications

by Chiara Di Fazio, Marco Tamietto, Mario Stanziano, Anna Nigri, Eugenio Scaliti and Sara Palermo

Brain Sci. 2025, 15(3), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15030237 - 24 Feb 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 646

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pose a major challenge for the ageing population, with impaired synaptic plasticity playing a central role in their pathophysiology. This article explores the hypothesis that cortico–cortical paired associative stimulation (ccPAS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, can restore synaptic function by targeting impaired spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP), a key mechanism disrupted in AD. Methods: We reviewed existing studies investigating the effects of ccPAS on neuroplasticity in both ageing and AD populations. Results: Findings suggest age-specific effects, with ccPAS improving motor performance in young adults but showing limited efficacy in older adults, likely due to age-related declines in synaptic plasticity and cortical excitability. In AD, ccPAS studies reveal significant impairments in long-term potentiation (LTP)-like plasticity, while long-term depression (LTD)-like mechanisms appear relatively preserved, emphasising the need for targeted neuromodulation approaches. Conclusions: Despite promising preliminary results, evidence remains limited and largely focused on motor function, with the impact of ccPAS on cognitive domains still underexplored. To bridge this gap, future research should focus on larger and more diverse cohorts to optimise ccPAS protocols for ageing and AD populations and investigate its potential for enhancing cognitive function. By refining stimulation parameters and integrating neuroimageing-based personalisation strategies, ccPAS may represent a novel therapeutic approach for mitigating neuroplasticity deficits in ageing and neurodegenerative conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging-Related Changes in Memory and Cognition)

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