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Brain Sciences
Special Issues
Mechanisms of Cognitive Plasticity
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Mechanisms of Cognitive Plasticity

A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 November 2020) | Viewed by 17071

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Claudia von Bastian

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Cathedral Court, 1 Vicar Lane, Sheffield S1 2LT, UK
Interests: working memory; executive functions; cognitive training; cognitive plasticity

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Can cognitive abilities be improved through interventions or certain activities? This question has been a matter of controversy spanning a range of related research areas. Cognitive benefits have – sometimes – been observed for people who engage in cognitive training, physical exercise, meditation, video-gaming, musical training, or undergo brain stimulation. What is common across these diverse fields of research is often inconsistent findings and diverging conclusions, in some instances even on the meta-analytic level. Much of the past debate was focused on the binary question of “does it work or not?”; however, a more fruitful question to ask is, “how and why could it work?”. Therefore, this Special Issue is dedicated to theory-driven, cutting-edge research from these diverse areas that investigates the mechanisms underlying cognitive plasticity. Empirical studies as well as theoretical or review articles are welcome.

Dr. Claudia C. von Bastian
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • Cognitive plasticity
  • Cognitive training
  • Physical exercise
  • Meditation
  • Video-gaming
  • Musical training
  • Brain stimulation

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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9 pages, 764 KiB  
Communication
Physical Activity Amount and Cognitive Impairment in Korean Elderly Population
by Seung-Taek Lim, Yung Zoon Jung, Takao Akama and Eunjae Lee
Brain Sci. 2020, 10(11), 804; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10110804 - 31 Oct 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2186
Abstract
The relationship between physical activity amount and cognitive function in elderly Koreans has received little attention. This study therefore aimed to understand the independent and common link between cognitive function and physical activity levels among elderly Korean adults. This study recruited a total [...] Read more.
The relationship between physical activity amount and cognitive function in elderly Koreans has received little attention. This study therefore aimed to understand the independent and common link between cognitive function and physical activity levels among elderly Korean adults. This study recruited a total of 2746 elderly adults (1348 males and 1398 females). All participants were assessed for cognitive functioning using the Korean Dementia Screening Questionnaire Cognition (KDSQ-C). The computerized Korean version short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) used in this study was entirely based on the long, self-administered, usual week-long IPAQ found in the IPAQ manual of operation. In the unadjusted model, elderly adults who met the recommended level of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were more likely to have a sufficient level of cognitive function. Hemoglobin, creatinine, cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), LDL-C, and HDL-C differed significantly between groups. A negative correlation was found between KDSQ-C score and the moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) amount per week. Physical activity amount is associated with cognition function in Korean elderly adults. Increasing physical activity may improve hemoglobin and creatinine and be involved in improving serum lipid profiles in elderly adults. Thus, physical activity has been suggesting as a useful tool to reduce the risk of cognitive function associated with aging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanisms of Cognitive Plasticity)
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9 pages, 235 KiB  
Communication
Enhancing Cognitive Performance of Healthy Czech Seniors through Non-Native Language Learning—A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study
by Blanka Klimova, Gabriela Slaninova, Pavel Prazak, Jaroslav Kacetl and Martin Valis
Brain Sci. 2020, 10(9), 573; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10090573 - 20 Aug 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2815
Abstract
The aim of this article is to discuss the effect of learning a non-native language on the enhancement of cognitive performance in healthy native Czech elderly. In addition, special emphasis is put on the qualitative assessment. To do this, 42 Czech cognitively unimpaired [...] Read more.
The aim of this article is to discuss the effect of learning a non-native language on the enhancement of cognitive performance in healthy native Czech elderly. In addition, special emphasis is put on the qualitative assessment. To do this, 42 Czech cognitively unimpaired seniors were enrolled into the study. These were then divided into an experimental group (i.e., 20 healthy elderly studied English as a non-native language for three months) and a passive control group (22 healthy elderly, who did not undergo any non-native language intervention). The main outcome measures included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, statistical processing of the data, and a qualitative content analysis. The results indicate that the cognitive performance of the intervention group did not differ from the control group. Therefore, no cognitive enhancement through non-native language learning was achieved. However, the findings of the qualitative analysis show that such non-native language learning with the peers of the same age is especially beneficial for the overall well-being of healthy seniors, especially as far as their social networks are concerned. Furthermore, participant’s subjective feelings from their self-reports indicate that foreign language learning also contributes to acquiring new English words and phrases. However, as there are very few empirical studies on this research topic, further research is needed in order to confirm or refute the present research findings on the enhancement of cognitive performance through non-native language learning in healthy seniors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanisms of Cognitive Plasticity)
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15 pages, 708 KiB  
Article
Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Activity during a Brain Training Game Predicts Cognitive Improvements after Four Weeks’ Brain Training Game Intervention: Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial
by Rui Nouchi, Natasha Yuriko dos Santos Kawata, Toshiki Saito, Robin Maximilian Himmelmeier, Ryo Nakamura, Haruka Nouchi and Ryuta Kawashima
Brain Sci. 2020, 10(8), 560; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10080560 - 15 Aug 2020
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5742
Abstract
Background: Recent studies have demonstrated that brain activities using NIRS (near-infrared spectroscopy) at baseline during cognitive tasks (e.g., N-back task) can predict the cognitive benefits of a cognitive training. In this study, we investigated whether brain activities during brain training game (BT) at [...] Read more.
Background: Recent studies have demonstrated that brain activities using NIRS (near-infrared spectroscopy) at baseline during cognitive tasks (e.g., N-back task) can predict the cognitive benefits of a cognitive training. In this study, we investigated whether brain activities during brain training game (BT) at baseline would predict benefits to cognitive functions after the intervention period. Methods: In a four-week double-blinded randomized control trial (RCT) 72 young adults were randomly assigned to one of the two groups: participants in the BT group played specific game, called the Brain Age. Participants in an active control group (ACT) played the puzzle game Tetris. We measured brain activity during the training games using two channel NIRS before the intervention period. Cognitive functions were tested before and after the four-week intervention period. Results: The BT showed significant improvements in inhibition, processing speed, and working memory performance compared to ACT. The left and right DLPFC (dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) brain activities during the BT at baseline were associated with improvements in inhibition and processing speed. Discussion: This randomized control trial first provides scientific evidence that DLPFC activities during BT at baseline can predict cognitive improvements after a four-week intervention period. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanisms of Cognitive Plasticity)
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Review

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14 pages, 593 KiB  
Review
The Impact of Physical Activities on Cognitive Performance among Healthy Older Individuals
by Blanka Klimova and Radka Dostalova
Brain Sci. 2020, 10(6), 377; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10060377 - 16 Jun 2020
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5642
Abstract
The population is aging in developed countries. This aging process results in many changes, both physical and mental. Over the years, there has been a gradual decline in the level of cognitive functions closely related to the ageing process, which is most often [...] Read more.
The population is aging in developed countries. This aging process results in many changes, both physical and mental. Over the years, there has been a gradual decline in the level of cognitive functions closely related to the ageing process, which is most often connected with ageing diseases such as dementia. So far, pharmacological treatment has not yet been able to cure this neurological disorder. Health policies around the world seek to find alternative programs and strategies to help a healthy population prevent cognitive decline and prolong active life. One such strategy appears to be physical activity. The aim of this review is to discuss the impact of physical activity on cognitive performance among healthy older individuals. The methodology of this study is based on a systematic electronic literature search of available studies found in three databases: PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus. The findings suggest that any physical activity in older age seems to have a positive impact on the improvement of cognitive function. Furthermore, it appears that dancing, due to its multiple mechanisms, might have the biggest effect on the enhancement of cognitive performance in healthy older individuals. However, controlled clinical trials of physical activity intervention in older adults are rare. Therefore, further research in this area (particularly on the amount of physical activity, its intensity and type) is needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanisms of Cognitive Plasticity)
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