Daphne Gasparre

Background: Cognitive processes are crucial for daily functioning and their impairment significantly impacts quality of life. Age and education are known to influence cognition, but the role of sex is less clear. While univariate studies report mixed results on the effect of sex on cognition, graph theory offers a comprehensive approach to analyzing complex associations among cognitive measures. This study examined sex differences in cognition using graph theory and compared the traditional univariate approach with graph theory analysis. Method: We compared sex differences in cognition in three cohorts of cognitively healthy adults: 334 participants from the GENIC dataset, 3703 from NACC, and 222 from ADNI. Cognitive variables adjusted for age and education were used to build cognitive connectomes using Spearman correlation coefficients. Differences in cognitive performance were evaluated using ANCOVAs, correcting for age and education (univariate approach). Global and nodal graph metrics were examined using graph theory (multivariate approach). Graph theory was also employed for modular analysis. All analyses were conducted in MATLAB. Result: The univariate approach showed sex differences in memory and learning, language, and complex attention with small effect sizes. Graph analyses showed no differences in global features of the cognitive connectomes between men and women. On the contrary, nodal analyses identified sex differences in the investigated cognitive domains, with more differences in memory and learning, language, and executive functions. Modular analysis showed rather similar modules between women and men with nuanced differences in language, attention and executive functions. Conclusion: Graph theory provides an innovative approach to studying sex differences in cognitive performance. The cognitive connectomes of men and women do not differ in global features, while there are nuanced differences in nodal and modular features of language, executive and attention networks. This finding suggests that sex differences could be related to how men and women approach specific cognitive tasks rather than overt differences in cognitive ability. These findings may have potential implications for targeted interventions to support cognitive functioning in men and women.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) represents an intermediate stage between typical aging and early cognitive decline. As such, an early and accurate diagnosis is essential in making timely interventions. Digital tools, including mobile applications, web platforms, wearable devices, and artificial intelligence-driven systems, have been developed and validated to capture multidimensional data, offering innovative screening solutions. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of digital tools for MCI detection in different populations and settings, with a particular focus on three key issues: (i) the overall diagnostic performance of digital tools, (ii) the influence of methodological quality of studies, and (iii) the impact of demographic factors and familiarity with technologies on diagnostic accuracy. This meta-analysis assessed diagnostic accuracy across 32 studies, reporting pooled sensitivity (0.808, 95% CI: 0.775–0.838) and specificity (0.795, 95% CI: 0.757–0.828), but with considerable heterogeneity ( I ² = 71.5% sensitivity; 84.0% specificity). The HSROC analysis revealed significant intrinsic variability ( τ ₐ = 0.807) and minimal threshold variability ( τθ = 0.291). Meta-regression indicated that applicability concerns significantly reduced specificity ( p = 0.037), with older age also predicting lower specificity ( p = 0.029). Thus, implementing standardized protocols, rigorous validation processes, and targeted adaptations are crucial steps for enhancing the effectiveness of digital tools in detecting MCI.

Personality traits, decision-making styles, and socio-demographic information help understand the characteristics of women requesting voluntary termination of pregnancy (VTP) and monitor the timing and quality of this service However, our current data do not allow for an in-depth exploration of additional, less evident factors that might influence the decision. The aim was to characterise a sample of women requesting VTP in terms of socio-demographic, personality, and decision-making style variables, and to examine the associations among these factors. We conducted a cross-sectional study administering the General Decision-Making Style (GDMS) test, the Big Five Questionnaire (BFQ) and the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5) to women requesting VTP certification. BFQ scores were generally high, especially for “Conscientiousness” and “Openness”. “Agreeableness” and “Openness” scores were lower in women with low vs. high education (diff = −8.2 [−13.9, −2.4] and diff = −7.5 [−15.0, −0.1]); “Extraversion” was higher in employed women. PID-5 scores for “Detachment” and “Psychoticism” were higher in medium vs. high education (diff = 1.6 [0.05, 3.2] and diff = 1.9 [0.1, 3.8]), but not at pathological level; “Negative affect” was lower in women with children (diff = −1.6 [−3.1, −0.2]). GDMS scores were not associated with socio-demographic factors. “Avoidant” and “Spontaneous” styles were negatively associated with “Conscientiousness” and “Emotional Stability”; “Rational” style was positively associated with “Conscientiousness” and “Disinhibition”. High BFQ and low PID-5 scores suggest no personality dysfunction in women undergoing VTP. No predominant decision-making style emerged, but associations between personality traits, decision-making, and socio-demographic factors such as educational level, employment and parity, were observed.

As longevity increases, cognitive decline in older adults has become a growing concern. Consequently, an increasing interest in the potential of digital tools (e.g., serious games (SG) and virtual reality (VR)) for early screening of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is emerging. Traditional cognitive assessments like the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) are widely used but have limitations related to cultural bias and manual scoring, while their digital adaptations, such as MOCA‐CC, maintain diagnostic accuracy while offering remote administration and automated scoring. Innovative tools, such as the Virtual Super Market (VSM) test and Panoramix Suite, instead, assess cognitive domains like memory, attention, and executive function while promoting engagement and preserving ecological validity, making assessments more reflective of real‐world tasks. Several studies show that these tools exhibit strong diagnostic performance, with sensitivity and specificity often exceeding 80%. However, although digital tools offer advantages in accessibility and user engagement, challenges remain concerning technological literacy, data privacy, and long‐term validation. Future research should focus on validating these tools across diverse populations and exploring hybrid models that combine traditional and digital assessments, as digital tools show promise in transforming cognitive screening and enabling earlier interventions for cognitive decline.This article is categorized under: Psychology > Development and Aging Neuroscience > Cognition

Background: Cognitive reserve (CR) represents the susceptibility to age‐related brain changes or Alzheimer’s disease‐related pathology. It is the ability to withstand the effects of aging and neurological damage. Several factors influence CR, including education, work, activites, mental activity, and social networks, which play a crucial role in an individual’s ability to preserve the global cognitive functioning and counteract cognitive decline. Boosting cognitive reserve has become a relevant focus in our efforts. In this study, we aim to investigate how cognitive reserve could influence the cognitive decline in the elderly.Method: Targeted neuropsychological assessment were administered to patients with Mild cognitive Impairment and dementia. We analyse through software R 4.3.2., the relationship between of cognitive reserve and other cognitive functions such as attention and memory capabilities.Results: Our preliminary findings suggest a clear correlation between higher cognitive reserve and improved performance on these tests. This connection appeared particularly significant in the early stages of deterioration (Mild Cognitive Impairment). In other words the notion of cognitive reserve posits the prospect of interventions capable of mitigating cognitive aging or diminishing the susceptibility to dementia.Conclusions: CR has a key role across the aging. In particular individuals with MCI could prevent and contrast cognitive decline boosting their CR, for example doing more activities, learning new language, gaining new skills, doing physical activities. Further research is needed to fully grasp this relationship and devise methods to extend cognitive reserve in order to promote cognitive health.

Social cognition involves skills for maintaining harmonious personal and social relationships throughout life. Social cognition issues, including Theory of Mind (ToM), can significantly impact the well-being of older individuals and intensify with the onset of neurological conditions. Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a state between healthy and pathological neurocognitive aging, where monitoring social functions is crucial. Despite numerous studies on ToM challenges in older adults and cognitive disorders, the underlying mechanisms remain debated. Uncertainty exists regarding whether ToM deficits are related to other cognitive functions, such as Executive Functions (EFs). Our study examined the correlation between EF and ToM performance in 32 MCI patients and 36 healthy elderly controls. The findings revealed a link between EF and ToM performance among healthy elderly individuals. Specifically, within the assessed EFs, the role of the working memory (WM) emerged. The study also highlighted distinctions between the MCI group and the healthy elderly group, showing that despite a general reduction in cognitive performance, the condition could impact these abilities in different ways. The study contributes to the literature, fostering comprehension of the mechanisms underlying ToM difficulties, while also paving the way for targeted interventions and enhanced clinical or preventative care.