• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.492-500
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• 2018

This study examined the effects of a dual-task virtual reality program on the cognitive function and EEG for patients with mild cognitive impairment. A dual-task virtual reality program was performed in the experimental groups while conventional occupational therapy was carried out in the control group for 30 minutes per session, which was done five days per week for 6 weeks. The results were as follows. First, the memory of the cognitive function and balance was improved significantly in the experimental group with the dual-task virtual reality program compared to the control group with the traditional occupational therapy. Second, EEG was also increased significantly in the experimental group compared to the control group. The results of this study suggest that the dual-task virtual reality program was an effective treatment method for the elderly with mild cognitive impairment and would be a cornerstone of basic data that will be helpful to those suffering from a range of diseases.

• Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.130-138
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• 2023

Background and Purpose: Growing evidence has shown that cognitive interventions can mitigate cognitive decline in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, most previous cognitive interventions have been group-based programs. Due to their intrinsic limitations, group-based programs are not widely used in clinical practice. Therefore, we have developed a tablet-based cognitive intervention program. This preliminary study investigated the feasibility and effects of a 12-week structured tablet-based program on cognitive function in patients with MCI. Methods: We performed a single-arm study on 24 patients with MCI. The participants underwent a tablet-based cognitive intervention program 5 times a week over a 12-week period. The primary outcome was changes in cognitive function, measured using the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Packet (CERAD-K). Outcomes were evaluated at baseline, within two weeks of the last program (post-intervention), and at the six-month follow-up session. Results: The completion rate of the tablet-based program was 83.3% in patients with MCI. The program improved cognitive function based on the CERAD-K total score (p=0.026), which was maintained for at least three months (p=0.004). There was also an improvement in the depression scale score (p=0.002), which persisted for three months (p=0.027). Conclusions: Our 12-week structured tablet-based program is feasible for patients with MCI. Furthermore, although further studies with a double-arm design are required, the program appears to be an effective strategy to prevent cognitive decline in patients with MCI.

• Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.95-106
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• 2024

Background and Purpose: Ventricle enlargement has been implicated in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We studied the relationship between ventricular size and cognitive function in patients with AD. We focused on the effect of the initial ventricle size on the rate of cognitive decline in patients with AD. Methods: A retrospective analysis of probable clinical AD participants with more than 2 magnetic resonance imaging images was performed. To measure ventricle size, we used visual rating scales of (1) Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) score and (2) conventional linear measurement method. Results: Increased clinical dementia rating (CDR) was correlated with a decreased Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) score, and increased medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTLA) and global ventricle size (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.021, respectively). There was a significant correlation between the change in cognitive function in the group (70%-100%ile) with a large initial ventricle size (p=0.021 for ∆CDR, p=0.01 for ∆MMSE), while the median ventricle size (30%-70%ile) showed correlation with other brain structural changes (MTLA, frontal atrophy [FA], and white matter) (p=0.036 for initial MTLA, p=0.034 for FA). Conclusions: In this study, the initial ventricle size may be a potential new imaging biomarker for initial cognitive function and clinical progression in AD. We found a relationship between the initial ventricle size and initial AD-related brain structural biomarkers.

• Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.93-102
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• 2022

Background and Purpose: The effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) interventions on functional brain changes in older adults remain unclear. This preliminary study aimed to explore the effect of physical exercise intervention (PEI), including HIIT, on cognitive function, physical performance, and electroencephalogram patterns in Korean elderly people. Methods: We enrolled six non-dementia participants aged >65 years from a community health center. PEI was conducted at the community health center for 4 weeks, three times/week, and 50 min/day. PEI, including HIIT, involved aerobic exercise, resistance training (muscle strength), flexibility, and balance. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for data analysis. Results: After the PEI, there was improvement in the 30-second sit-to-stand test result (16.2±7.0 times vs. 24.8±5.5 times, p=0.027), 2-minute stationary march result (98.3±27.2 times vs. 143.7±36.9 times, p=0.027), T-wall response time (104.2±55.8 seconds vs.71.0±19.4 seconds, p=0.028), memory score (89.6±21.6 vs. 111.0±19.1, p=0.028), executive function score (33.3±5.3 vs. 37.0±5.1, p=0.046), and total Literacy Independent Cognitive Assessment score (214.6±30.6 vs. 241.6±22.8, p=0.028). Electroencephalography demonstrated that the beta power in the frontal region was increased, while the theta power in the temporal region was decreased (all p<0.05). Conclusions: Our HIIT PEI program effectively improved cognitive function, physical fitness, and electroencephalographic markers in elderly individuals; thus, it could be beneficial for improving functional brain activity in this population.

• Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.48-53
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• 2017

Background and Purpose Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking (TTCT) is a well-known and commonly used measure of creativity. However, the TTCT-induced creative hemodynamic brain activity is rarely revealed. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the neural correlates of creative thinking in the setting of a modified version of the figural TTCT adapted for an functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiment. Methods We designed a blocked fMRI experiment. Twenty-five participants (11 males, 14 females, mean age $19.9{\pm}1.8$) were asked to complete the partially presented line drawing of the figural TTCT (creative drawing imagery; creative). As a control condition, subjects were asked to keep tracking the line on the screen (line tracking; control). Results Compared to the control condition, creative condition revealed greater activation in the distributed and bilateral brain regions including the left anterior cingulate, bilateral frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital regions as shown in the previous creativity studies. Conclusions The present revealed the neural basis underlying the figural TTCT using fMRI, providing an evidence of brain areas encompassing the figural TTCT. Considering the significance of a creativity test for dementia patients, the neural correlates of TTCT elucidated by this study may be valuable to evaluate the brain function of patients in the clinical field.

• Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.120-129
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• 2018

Background and Purpose: Prospective memory (PM) has a known relationship with frontal function, and PM decline has been observed in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Cerebral small vessel disease, as evidenced by white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), is linked to frontal dysfunction. This study was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between PM decline and WMHs in patients with aMCI. Methods: Of 74 enrollees with aMCI, 69 completed this prospective study. We compared total scores and sub-scores of the Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRMQ) administered at baseline and 3 months later, stratifying patients by degree of WMHs. Results: A significant decline was seen in PRMQ total scores and PM scores at the 3-month mark in patients with moderate (vs. mild) degrees of WMHs ($-2.8{\pm}7.2$ vs. $0.2{\pm}7.1$; p=0.032). In addition, patients with moderate (vs. mild) degrees of deep WMHs (DWMHs) showed greater PM decline, whereas PM loss in patients with mild, moderate, or severe degrees of periventricular WMHs (PVWMHs) did not differ significantly. Conclusions: Findings of this study indicate that the burden of WMHs is consistently implicated in PM deterioration experienced by patients with aMCI, and signifies greater PM decline, especially in instances of extensive DWMHs. Greater attention to the change of PM is therefore needed in aMCI patients with WMHs.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.97-106
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in EEG through attention. Concentration training and performing tasks are important factors in the improvement of motor learning ability. Methods: In the experiment, 22 healthy people were divided into two groups: the trail making test (TMT) group and the computerized neurocognitive function test (CNT) group. A one-way Neuro Harmony M test to see whether there was a significant difference among the groups. Results: The TMT group showed a significant increase in ${\alpha}$ wave, ${\alpha}$ wave sequence, and ${\beta}$ wave sequence; however, there were no significant differences in SMR wave, SMR wave sequence, and ${\beta}$ wave. The CNT group showed increases in ${\alpha}$ wave, ${\alpha}$ wave sequence, SMR wave, SMR wave sequence, and ${\beta}$ wave sequence; however, there was no significant difference in ${\beta}$ wave. In EEGs before and after two performance tasks were changed, there were significant differences in ${\beta}$ wave, SMR wave, SMR wave sequence; however, there were no significant differences in ${\alpha}$ wave sequence, ${\beta}$ wave, and ${\beta}$ wave sequence. Conclusion: Attention training and concentration training offer feedback and repetition for constant stimulus and response. Moreover, attention training and concentration training can contribute to new studies and motivation by developing fast sensory and motor skills through acceptable visual and auditory stimulation.

• 한국노년학
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.743-757
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• 2010

Theory of mind (ToM) is the ability to infer one's own and other people's mental states such as beliefs, desires, and intentions. Although the majority of research in ToM has focused on young children or autistic individuals, several studies have investigated ToM in normal old age and in the demented elderly. This article provides an overview on existent findings of theory of mind in aging populations and suggests future directions for research including applying neuroimaging techniques and real-life tasks. It is still unclear how ToM in aging is associated with other aspects of cognition. However, it is expected that ToM perspective on aging will increase our understanding of aging of cognition and social functioning.

• Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.158-168
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• 2023

Background and Purpose: Facial emotion recognition deficits impact the daily life, particularly of Alzheimer's disease patients. We aimed to assess these deficits in the following three groups: subjective cognitive decline (SCD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and mild Alzheimer's dementia (AD). Additionally, we explored the associations between facial emotion recognition and cognitive performance. Methods: We used the Korean version of the Florida Facial Affect Battery (K-FAB) in 72 SCD, 76 MCI, and 76 mild AD subjects. The comparison was conducted using the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), with adjustments being made for age and sex. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was utilized to gauge the overall cognitive status, while the Seoul Neuropsychological Screening Battery (SNSB) was employed to evaluate the performance in the following five cognitive domains: attention, language, visuospatial abilities, memory, and frontal executive functions. Results: The ANCOVA results showed significant differences in K-FAB subtests 3, 4, and 5 (p=0.001, p=0.003, and p=0.004, respectively), especially for anger and fearful emotions. Recognition of 'anger' in the FAB subtest 5 declined from SCD to MCI to mild AD. Correlations were observed with age and education, and after controlling for these factors, MMSE and frontal executive function were associated with FAB tests, particularly in the FAB subtest 5 (r=0.507, p<0.001 and r=-0.288, p=0.026, respectively). Conclusions: Emotion recognition deficits worsened from SCD to MCI to mild AD, especially for negative emotions. Complex tasks, such as matching, selection, and naming, showed greater deficits, with a connection to cognitive impairment, especially frontal executive dysfunction.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.242-255
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• 1997

Characteristics of attention deficit of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD) were investigated by administering six computerized attention tests of Vienna Test System and four neuropsychological tests to children aged 6-12, with ADHD(n=21) and age-matched normal control children(n=22). The findings indicated that ADHD children show lower level of vigilance, more decline of performance in vigilance task on time, and impaired preparedness to response. They also have selective attention deficit on monitoring tasks, but did not have sustained attention deficit compared with normal control children. On the tasks wich overload their information processing capacity, ADHD children show more impulsive response pattern than normal control children. The performance of ADHD was worse than control on the neuropsychological tests sensitive to frontal lobe dysfunction. The presense 'These' attention deficits supports the theory that the defect of ADHD is due to the dysfunction of more than one brain region, including brain stem reticular formation and frontal lobe.