Brain Sciences最新文献

{"title":"Neurofilament Light Chain in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Blood in Multiple System Atrophy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Silvia Demiri, Dimitra Veltsista, Vasileios Siokas, Kanellos C Spiliopoulos, Antonia Tsika, Polyxeni Stamati, Elisabeth Chroni, Efthimios Dardiotis, Ioannis Liampas","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15030241","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15030241","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Multiple system atrophy (MSA) presents a challenging diagnosis due to its clinical overlap with other neurodegenerative disorders, especially other α-synucleinopathies. The main purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess neurofilament light chain (NfL) differences in the CSF and blood of patients with MSA versus the healthy control group (HC), patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and patients with Lewy body dementia (LBD). Secondarily, the diagnostic metrics of CSF and circulating NfL in MSA versus HC, PD, LBD, progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal degeneration (CBD) were discussed. <b>Methods</b>: MEDLINE and EMBASE were thoroughly searched for relevant case-control studies. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were calculated separately for CSF and blood NfL per comparison. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed based on the Q and I^2 statistics. <b>Results</b>: Twenty-five relevant studies were retrieved. Quantitative syntheses revealed elevated CSF and circulating NfL levels in individuals with MSA versus HC [SMD = 1.80 (95%CI = 1.66, 1.94) and SMD = 2.00 (95%CI = 1.36, 2.63), respectively] versus PD [SMD = 1.65 (95%CI = 1.26, 2.03) and SMD = 1.63 (95%CI = 0.84, 2.43), respectively] as well as versus LBD [SMD = 1.17, (95%CI = 0.71, 1.63) and SMD = 0.65 (95%CI = 0.30, 1.00), respectively]. Diagnostic accuracy was outstanding for CSF and blood NfL in MSA versus HC and PD, and it was moderate in MSA versus LBD. On the other hand, it was suboptimal in MSA vs. PSP and CBD. <b>Conclusions</b>: Both CSF and circulating NfL levels are elevated in MSA compared to HC, PD and LBD. To achieve optimal diagnostic properties, further work is required in the standardization of processes and the establishment of reference NfL intervals and/or thresholds.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11940017/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143728464","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Primary Progressive Aphasias: Diagnosis and Treatment.","authors":"Genaro Gabriel Ortiz, Héctor González-Usigli, Erick R Nava-Escobar, Javier Ramírez-Jirano, Mario Alberto Mireles-Ramírez, Maribel Orozco-Barajas, Luis E Becerra-Solano, Víctor J Sánchez-González","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15030245","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15030245","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; Primary Progressive Aphasias (PPAs) are rare neurodegenerative disorders classified within frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and typically manifest between 45 and 70 years of age. In Mexico-and many other countries-reliable epidemiological data are lacking; however, estimates suggest that PPA accounts for 0.5-2.5% of neurodegenerative disease cases in Memory Clinics, with an incidence of approximately 1 per 100,000 and an average survival of 8 years. This review aims to provide clinicians with an overview of PPA's epidemiology, clinical features, and classification, thereby enhancing understanding of its subtypes and distinguishing characteristics from other aphasic conditions, such as vascular aphasia. &lt;b&gt;Methods:&lt;/b&gt; This narrative review was conducted through a literature search using databases such as PubMed and Scopus. Relevant studies addressing the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and classification of PPA were identified, selected, and synthesized to offer a broad, clinically oriented overview of the condition. This approach was chosen to inform clinical practice and highlight the need for further targeted investigations, such as future systematic reviews focusing on specific aspects like therapeutic strategies. &lt;b&gt;Key Contents and Findings: (a) Epidemiology:&lt;/b&gt; PPA is estimated to affect 0.5-2.5% of patients with neurodegenerative diseases in Memory Clinics, with an incidence of roughly 1 per 100,000. Average survival time is around 8 years (ranging from 3 to 17 years), with a generally balanced gender ratio, though some studies indicate a predominance of men. A positive family history is observed in 20-40% of cases, with about 10% following an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. &lt;b&gt;(b) Clinical Characteristics and Classification:&lt;/b&gt; PPA is marked by a gradual decline in language abilities, differentiating it from vascular aphasias. Subtypes include non-fluent forms (non-fluent progressive aphasia [nfPPA] and logopenic progressive aphasia [lPPA]), fluent forms (progressive fluent aphasia [PFA] and semantic dementia [SD]), and mixed forms (progressive mixed aphasia [PMA]). The neurodegenerative process in PPA extends beyond vascular boundaries, often resulting in presentations that deviate from classical Broca's and Wernicke's aphasias. Common symptoms include difficulties in word finding and naming, sometimes mistaken for memory loss, and, in the case of semantic dementia, personality changes that may go unnoticed by the patient. &lt;b&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/b&gt; PPA is a heterogeneous and complex group of neurodegenerative disorders with significant clinical variability and a profound impact on patients and their families. While current epidemiological data are limited, this review emphasizes the need for further research to better delineate disease progression and refine diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Future systematic reviews will be essential to address specific aspects of PPA, such a","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11939976/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143728476","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"How Reframing Affects Confidence in Complex Decisions: Evidence from Behavioral Measures and Decisional Styles.","authors":"Michela Balconi, Angelica Daffinà, Laura Angioletti","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15030244","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15030244","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: This research examined the impact of reframing on decision confidence and its link with individual decision-making styles in a sample of healthy adults. <b>Methods</b>: Participants completed a Resistance to Reframe Task, which involved two decision-making steps. In each step, they chose the best option from four alternatives for a workplace situation and rated their confidence in the decision. Then, the task was reframed to highlight the negative consequences of their initial choice, and they reassessed their confidence. Confidence scores and reaction times (RTs) were recorded for the confidence ratings of each step. The General Decision-Making Style (GDMS) and Maximization Scale (MS) were also used to profile decision-making styles and explore their links to behavioral responses. <b>Results</b>: Findings demonstrated that reframing significantly reduces participants' confidence, particularly in the first step, highlighting its effectiveness in challenging initial choices. Additionally, higher RTs after reframing emphasize the cognitive complexity introduced by the change of perspective and allows us to describe the dynamic of the decision-making process. Correlational findings suggested that while some traits (e.g., dependent style) reduce confidence after the reframing, others (e.g., high standards, decision difficulty) seem to reinforce it. Similarly, decision-making style as MS alternative search increases RTs, reflecting the heightened complexity of reframed decision contexts. <b>Conclusions</b>: The results underscored the importance of considering confidence in the decision and individual differences when studying decision-making under reframing conditions. Individual differences in decision-making styles may act as protective or vulnerability factors to reframe in decision-making processes.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11940415/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143728602","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Power of Food Advertisements: A Brief Mindfulness Instruction Does Not Prevent Psychophysiological Responses Triggered by Food Ads.","authors":"Constanza Baquedano, David Martinez-Pernia, Vicente Soto, Álvaro Rivera-Rei, Antonia Zepeda, Alejandra Vasquez-Rosati, Eugenio J Guzmán-Lavín, Carla Ugarte, Antonio Cepeda-Benito, Vladimir Lopez, Jaime R Silva","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15030240","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15030240","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Exposure to visually appealing food items can enhance their subjective realism, leading to increased cravings, salivation, and automatic approach tendencies. Prior research suggests that brief mindfulness instructions promoting dereification-recognizing stimuli as transient mental events-can mitigate these automatic reactions. <b>Objectives</b>: This study assesses whether brief mindfulness instruction can mitigate automatic consumption tendencies induced by food advertisements, exploring the corresponding behavioral, physiological, and neurophysiological mechanisms. <b>Methods</b>: Sixty participants were randomly assigned to two groups: one receiving brief mindfulness instruction and the other a non-dereifying control instruction while exposed to advertised foods. This was followed by an approach-avoidance task (AAT), during which behavioral data, salivary volume, event-related potentials (ERPs) from electroencephalogram recordings, and self-reports were collected. <b>Results</b>: The results showed no significant differences in approach behaviors between the groups. Hunger, food craving, and salivation levels increased uniformly in response to food cues for both groups. The N1, N2, P3, and late positive potential (LPP) ERPs remained unaltered by the instructions and consistent with the established AAT literature. Advertising heightened the appeal of neutral foods, as evidenced by increased N2, P3, and LPP responses. <b>Conclusions:</b> The brief mindfulness instruction failed to shield participants from the automatic responses elicited by food advertising, contrasting with the effects seen with non-advertised food.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11940382/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143728500","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Accentuation and Attention: From Perceptual Organization to Consciousness.","authors":"Baingio Pinna, Daniele Porcheddu, Jurģis Šķilters","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15030243","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15030243","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: This study investigates the complex relationship between accentuation and attention in visual perception, extending classical Gestalt principles by introducing dissimilarity as a complementary mechanism to similarity in perceptual organization. <b>Objectives and Methods</b>: Through a series of phenomenological experiments, we demonstrate how accentuation, driven by dissimilarity, plays a crucial role in shaping visual experience and guiding attention. <b>Results</b>: Our findings reveal that accentuation serves as a pre-attentive mechanism for highlighting salient features, influencing initial perceptual organization, and modulating the apparent shape and orientation of visual elements. We show that while accentuation operates rapidly and automatically, attention acts as a flexible, selective mechanism that can either reinforce or override accentuation-based percepts. This interplay suggests a two-stage process of visual perception, with implications for theories of consciousness and information processing in biological systems. This study also explores the evolutionary significance of accentuation in camouflage and sexual selection, providing insights into how perceptual mechanisms may have evolved to enhance adaptive fitness. <b>Conclusions</b>: Our results have broad implications for understanding visual cognition, design, and clinical applications related to attentional disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11940826/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143728536","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Naringenin's Neuroprotective Effect on Diazino-Induced Cerebellar Damage in Male Albino Rats, with Modulation of Acetylcholinesterase.","authors":"Abdullah A Saati","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15030242","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15030242","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Diazinon, a well-known organophosphorus compound, is recognized for its neurotoxic effects, primarily through the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and induction of oxidative stress.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This study evaluates the neuroprotective effects of naringenin, a citrus flavonoid, against diazinon-induced cerebellar damage in male albino rats.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups: control, naringenin, diazinon, and diazinon with naringenin.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Histological examination revealed altered structures of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum of the diazinon group. Naringenin co-treatment significantly improved cerebellar histology and modulated oxidative stress markers by decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) and increasing glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels. Additionally, naringenin exhibited anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) levels, while increasing interleukin-10 (IL-10). It also reduced apoptotic markers, including p53, Bax, caspase-9, caspase-8, and caspase-3, while increasing the anti-apoptotic marker Bcl-2. Furthermore, naringenin modulated AChE activity, leading to decreased acetylcholine levels and reduced neurotoxicity.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings suggest that naringenin's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties contribute to its neuroprotective role against diazinon-induced cerebellar damage.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11940817/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143728449","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The pCREB/BDNF Pathway in the Hippocampus Is Involved in the Therapeutic Effect of Selective 5-HT Reuptake Inhibitors in Adult Male Rats Exposed to Blast Traumatic Brain Injury.","authors":"Xiaolin Fan, Hong Wang, Xiaoqiang Lv, Qi Wang, Boya Yu, Xiao Li, Liang Li, Yuhao Zhang, Ning Ma, Qing Lu, Airong Qian, Junhong Gao","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15030236","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15030236","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Blast traumatic brain injury (bTBI) can result in depression-like behaviors in the acute and chronic phases. SSRIs have been shown to significantly alleviate depression-like behaviors in animal models of traumatic brain injury (TBI) by increasing serotonin (5-HT) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus. However, the therapeutic effects of SSRIs on depression caused by bTBI remain unclear.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>Therefore, this study was aimed at investigating the therapeutic effects of SSRIs on depression-like behaviors in bTBI models.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We created a rat model to study mild TBI by subjecting rats to increased blast overpressures (BOP) and injecting fluoxetine and escitalopram SSRIs intraperitoneally for 28 days.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>On day 14 post-BOP exposure, rats treated with SSRIs showed decreased depression-like behaviors. This finding was accompanied by higher 5-HT levels in the hippocampus and increased numbers of Nestin-positive cells in the dentate gyrus. Furthermore, rats treated with SSRIs exhibited increased pCREB and BDNF protein expression in the hippocampus on days 7, 14, and 28 after bTBI.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Overall, our findings indicate that SSRI-induced recovery from depression-like behaviors after mild bTBI is associated with the upregulation of 5-HT levels, pCREB and BDNF expression, and neurogenesis in the hippocampus.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11940387/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143728497","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Schaftoside Reduces Depression- and Anxiogenic-like Behaviors in Mice Depression Models.","authors":"Yue Hu, Yaoxue Gan, Jia Lei, Jinhui Cai, Yecheng Zhou, Hao Chen, Qian Zhang, Yan Shi","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15030238","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15030238","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Major depressive disorder is a common mental health issue characterized by persistently low mood and high morbidity and mortality. The major pathophysiology is neuroinflammation, as evidenced by elevated cytokine levels. Patients often fail to achieve full remission with the use of currently available antidepressants, prompting the search for new treatment options. Schaftoside (SS), a flavonoid found in traditional Chinese herbs, has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its antidepressant effects are poorly understood.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Male C57BL/6 mice underwent chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment to induce depression- and anxiety-like behaviors. SS was administered at 40, 80, and 160 mg/kg for 28 days. The effect on depression-like behaviors was assessed using behavioral assays, and ELISA was used to measure pro-inflammatory cytokines in the serum and hippocampus.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>SS significantly decreased immobility in the forced swim and tail suspension tests, increased sucrose preference in the sucrose preference test, and reduced feeding latency in the novelty-suppressed feeding test. These findings indicate improved depression and anxiety-like behaviors. ELISA showed that SS lowered interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels in the serum and hippocampus of CUMS mice.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our study indicates that SS has antidepressant and anxiolytic effects, possibly through neuroinflammatory processes, making it a promising therapeutic candidate for depression, and thus deserves further investigation into its mechanisms and clinical efficacy.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11940525/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143728519","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Smart Digital Solutions for EARLY Treatment of COGNitive Disability (EARLY-COGN^3): A Study Protocol.","authors":"Maria Cotelli, Francesca Baglio, Elena Gobbi, Elena Campana, Ilaria Pagnoni, Giovanna Cannarella, Alessandro Del Torto, Federica Rossetto, Angela Comanducci, Gennaro Tartarisco, Rocco Salvatore Calabrò, Simona Campisi, Raffaela Maione, Claudia Saraceno, Elisa Dognini, Sonia Bellini, Marta Bortoletto, Giuliano Binetti, Roberta Ghidoni, Rosa Manenti","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15030239","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15030239","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Healthy cognitive functioning is a primary component of well-being, independence, and successful aging. Cognitive deficits can arise from various conditions, such as brain injury, mental illness, and neurological disorders. Rehabilitation is a highly specialized service limited to patients who have access to institutional settings. In response to this unmet need, telehealth solutions are ideal for triggering the migration of care from clinics to patients' homes. <b>Objectives:</b> The aim of EARLY-COGN^3 will be threefold: (1) to test the efficacy of a digital health at-home intervention (tele@cognitive protocol) as compared to an unstructured cognitive at-home rehabilitation in a cohort of patients with Chronic Neurological Diseases (CNDs); (2) to investigate its effects on the biomolecular and neurophysiological marker hypothesizing that people with CNDs enrolled in this telerehabilitation program will develop changes in biological markers and cortical and subcortical patterns of connectivity; (3) to analyze potential cognitive, neurobiological, and neurophysiological predictors of response to the tele@cognitive treatment. <b>Method:</b> In this single-blind, randomized, and controlled pilot study, we will assess the short- and long-term efficacy of cognitive telerehabilitation protocol (tele@cognitive) as compared to an unstructured cognitive at-home rehabilitation (Active Control Group-ACG) in a cohort of 60 people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Subjective Cognitive Complaints (SCCs), or Parkinson's Disease (PD). All participants will undergo a clinical, functional, neurocognitive, and quality of life assessment at the baseline (T0), post-treatment (5 weeks, T1), and at the 3-month (T2) follow-up. Neurophysiological markers and biomolecular data will be collected at T0 and T1. <b>Conclusions:</b> EARLY-COGN^3 project could lead to a complete paradigm shift from the traditional therapeutic approach, forcing a reassessment on how CNDs could take advantage of a digital solution. (clinicaltrials.gov database, ID: NCT06657274).</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11940032/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143727902","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cortico-Cortical Paired Associative Stimulation (ccPAS) in Ageing and Alzheimer's Disease: A Quali-Quantitative Approach to Potential Therapeutic Mechanisms and Applications.","authors":"Chiara Di Fazio, Marco Tamietto, Mario Stanziano, Anna Nigri, Eugenio Scaliti, Sara Palermo","doi":"10.3390/brainsci15030237","DOIUrl":"10.3390/brainsci15030237","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: 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. <b>Methods</b>: We reviewed existing studies investigating the effects of ccPAS on neuroplasticity in both ageing and AD populations. <b>Results</b>: 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. <b>Conclusions</b>: 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.</p>","PeriodicalId":9095,"journal":{"name":"Brain Sciences","volume":"15 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11940742/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143728453","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}