Cognitive flexibility (CF) is the ability to adapt cognitive strategies according to the changing environment. The deficit in CF has often been linked to various neurological and psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia. However, the operationalization and assessment of CF have not been unified and the current research suggests that the available instruments measure different aspects of CF. The main objective of the present study was to compare three frequently used neuropsychological measures of CF-Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), Trail Making Test (TMT) and Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT) in a population of patients (N = 220) with first-episode schizophrenia spectrum disorders in order to evaluate their convergent validity. The hypothesis of an underlying latent construct was tested via a confirmatory factor analysis. We used a one-factor CF model with scores from WCST, SCWT and TMT as observed variables. The established model showed a good fit to the data (χ2 = 1.67, p = 0.43, SRMR = 0.02, RMSEA = 0.0, CFI = 1.00). The highest factor loading was found in WCST as CF explained most of the variance in this neuropsychological measure compared to the other instruments. On the other hand, a TMT ratio index and a SCWT interference demonstrated lowest loadings in the model. The findings suggest that not all the frequently used measures share an underlying factor of CF or may capture different aspects of this construct.

• MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Executive Function * physiology   MeSH
• Factor Analysis, Statistical MeSH
• Cognitive Dysfunction * etiology   diagnosis   physiopathology   MeSH
• Cognitive Flexibility MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Neuropsychological Tests * standards   MeSH
• Psychometrics MeSH
• Schizophrenic Psychology * MeSH
• Schizophrenia * complications   physiopathology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Adolescent MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Publikace se zaměřuje na psychickou odolnost a možnosti zvládání stresu. Určeno odborné veřejnosti.; Publikace představuje moderní pohled na odolnost vůči stresu, tedy psychickou a fyzickou resilienci, která nám umožňuje pružně reagovat na náročné životní situace. Neustále postupující neurovědní výzkum přináší cenné a podnětné poznatky, které pomáhají naše klinické pozorování a zkušenost zakotvit v širším biologickém a teoretickém rámci. Autorka na jejich základě ukazuje, jak pomocí systematického tréninku posilovat flexibilitu myšlení, emocí i chování. Praktické návody a osvědčené postupy pomáhají nejen vyvažovat každodenní zátěž, ale také čelit traumatickým událostem s odvahou a sebevědomím. Budování resilience s sebou přináší i otázky týkající se výchovy, vzdělávání, kultury mezilidského spolubytí, politiky nebo životních hodnot a spirituality. Kniha nabízí inspiraci ke zvyšování životní spokojenosti a posílení duševního i tělesného zdraví nejen odborníkům v oblasti psychiatrie, psychologie či psychoterapie, ale i studentům těchto oborů.

• MeSH
• Coping Skills MeSH
• Mental Health MeSH
• Neurobiology MeSH
• Resilience, Psychological MeSH
• Stress, Psychological prevention & control   therapy   MeSH
• Healthy Lifestyle MeSH
• Publication type
• Monograph MeSH

• Conspectus
• Psychologie
• NML Fields
• psychologie, klinická psychologie

Even though cognitive testing in animals is widespread, many issues remain open - for example the influence of behavioural parameters on cognitive performance, stability of cognitive performance upon repeated testing, or comparability of cognitive variables across different tasks (i.e. cross-contextual consistency). In this study we tested thirty six male Long Evans laboratory rats and assessed their cognitive performance in two standard tasks of spatial navigation - Active allothetic place avoidance and Morris water maze test. Using multivariate analyses, we detected different aspects of cognition within these complex tasks (the ability to learn fast, cognitive flexibility, general ability to solve a task successfully). We found that consistency of cognitive performance in these two tasks (estimates of cognitive repeatability) differed substantially, reflecting differences in the experimental procedures. Moreover, we inspected cognitive performance of the animals in more detail by creating a correlation matrix of factors derived from these procedures. Nevertheless, we found no correlation and therefore no indication of a general cognitive ability in spatial navigation using these two tasks. In addition, we found no link between personality and cognition when correlating cognitive performance of the animals with parameters from personality tests, which were derived from a previous study conducted on the same animals. These findings highlight a task-dependent nature of cognitive performance in these two tasks of spatial navigation and suggest that general cognitive ability in spatial navigation may not be reliably inferred from these two tasks, while also indicating no evident link between cognition and personality in this context.

• MeSH
• Maze Learning physiology   MeSH
• Behavior, Animal physiology   MeSH
• Cognition * physiology   MeSH
• Rats MeSH
• Personality physiology   MeSH
• Rats, Long-Evans MeSH
• Spatial Navigation * physiology   MeSH
• Avoidance Learning physiology   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Rats MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

CONTEXT: Advance care planning (ACP) is relevant yet challenging with cognitive decline. OBJECTIVE: To provide evidence and consensus-based clinical recommendations for how to conduct ACP in dementia. METHODS: International Delphi study conducted by the European Association for Palliative Care 'ACP in dementia' taskforce with four online surveys (September 2021-June 2022). A panel of 107 experts from 33 countries and seven individuals with dementia contributed. The recommendations specific for dementia were initially based on two earlier Delphi studies and literature searches addressing guidance including the right timing and how to personalize ACP. We used conservative preregistered criteria for consensus. RESULTS: Thirty constitutive elements of ACP were identified (e.g., 'assess understanding of ACP'). Only five were deemed 'optional.' The panel estimated a median of four conversations could address elements to be addressed at least once. Recommendations included to assume capacity as a principle, conscious of the need to explore its fluctuation, to encourage engaging and playing active roles, and to establish connection and inform and prepare family. There was a consensus to offer ACP around dementia diagnosis, to raise end-of-life issues later, and to personalize ACP with flexibility, providing of information and exploring understanding. The advice of the persons with dementia pointed to a wish for a well-coordinated holistic approach. CONCLUSION: Consensus was reached, including in areas of ambiguity, to guide ACP in dementia. ACP should be embedded in a nonprescriptive, individualized approach that involves both the person with dementia and their families. Future studies may evaluate trade-offs between optimal ACP and feasible implementation.

• MeSH
• Delphi Technique MeSH
• Dementia * therapy   MeSH
• Consensus MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Palliative Care MeSH
• Terminal Care MeSH
• Advance Care Planning * MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

To identify the neurocognitive mechanisms underpinning the social difficulties that characterize autism, we performed functional magnetic resonance imaging on pairs of autistic and non-autistic adults simultaneously whilst they interacted with one another on the iterated Ultimatum Game (iUG)-an interactive task that emulates the reciprocal characteristic of naturalistic interpersonal exchanges. Two age-matched sets of male-male dyads were investigated: 16 comprised an autistic Responder and a non-autistic Proposer, and 19 comprised non-autistic pairs of Responder and Proposer. Players' round-by-round behavior on the iUG was modeled as reciprocal choices, and dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) was measured to identify the neural mechanisms underpinning reciprocal behaviors. Behavioral expressions of reciprocity were significantly reduced in autistic compared with non-autistic Responders, yet no such differences were observed between the non-autistic Proposers in either set of dyads. Furthermore, we identified latent dFC states with temporal properties associated with reciprocity. Autistic interactants spent less time in brain states characterized by dynamic inter-network integration and segregation among the Default Mode Network and cognitive control networks, suggesting that their reduced expressions of social-emotional reciprocity reflect less efficient reconfigurations among brain networks supporting flexible cognition and behavior. These findings advance our mechanistic understanding of the social difficulties characterizing autism.

• MeSH
• Autistic Disorder * physiopathology   psychology   diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Emotions * physiology   MeSH
• Interpersonal Relations * MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Brain * physiopathology   diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Social Behavior * MeSH
• Social Interaction * MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

RATIONALE: Patients who experience seizures, including PNES, are usually advised to discontinue driving, or have their driving privileges revoked until a determined period of seizure-freedom is achieved. In this retrospective study, patients with PNES who requested driving privileges or reported having resumed driving were compared to those who did not on measures of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and cognitive flexibility/motor speed. METHODS: DiagnosisofPNESwasconfirmedwithvideo-EEG.Demographicand clinical dataand requests for reinstatement of driving privileges (requiring 6 or more months seizure freedom) and reports of decisions to resume driving were noted. Tests of motor speed and hand eye coordination and self-report questionnaires of depression, anxiety and PTSD administered as part of neuropsychological assessment were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 403 patients with PNES evaluated in 2010-2020 were identified. Of those, 365 patients were eligible for inclusion, and of those, 60 applied for driving privileges or reported that they resumed driving. When the two groups were compared, the group that applied for driving privileges or decided to resume driving was significantly less depressed (p = 0.001) when tested than the group that did not. Furthermore, a significant difference was seen in measures of motor performance between those who requested to resume driving and those who did not (DKEFS T1, p = 0.006, DKEFS T2, p = 0.001, DKEFS T3, p = 0.002, DKEFS T4, p = 0.001; GPT dominant, p = 0.05, GPT non-dominant, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Driving a motor vehicle is a useful measure of improvement for PNES because patients with seizures are required to discontinue driving until seizure-freedom is achieved. This study revealed that lower levels of depression and better fine motor functioning were associated with reported seizure-freedom and driving resumption. Depression is commonly associated with diminished performance (slower motor response times and impaired fine motor movements) on tests of motor functioning, both of which may result in less interest in pursuing permission to resume driving. These findings suggest that mood symptoms (and associated performance on measures of motor speed and coordination) may have prognostic significance in patients diagnosed with PNES. This also suggests that timely treatment of depression in newly diagnosed patients with PNES may be indicated.

• MeSH
• Depression psychology   diagnosis   etiology   MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Electroencephalography MeSH
• Conversion Disorder psychology   diagnosis   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Neuropsychological Tests MeSH
• Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic psychology   diagnosis   MeSH
• Psychomotor Performance physiology   MeSH
• Psychophysiologic Disorders diagnosis   psychology   MeSH
• Retrospective Studies MeSH
• Automobile Driving * psychology   MeSH
• Anxiety psychology   etiology   diagnosis   MeSH
• Seizures * psychology   diagnosis   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Young Adult MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Pochopení vztahu mezi senzomotorickými proměnnými a exerkiny, které ovlivňují funkci mozku a kognici, nám umožňuje hlouběji porozumět biologickému procesu stárnutí. Hlavním cílem této studie bylo zjistit, jak silně jsou mozkový neurotrofický faktor (brain-derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF), irisin, svalová hmota a svalová síla asociovány s výsledky testů vybraných kognitivních funkcí u starších žen a jak dobře je predikují. Padesát sedm starších žen (průměrný věk 70,4 ± 4,1 roku) absolvovalo baterii neuropsychologických testů, měření izometrické dynamometrie a bioelektrické impedance. Hladiny v krevním séru sledovaných exerkinů byly stanoveny enzymatickým imunosorbentním testem (ELISA). Pro testování predikcí byly využity hierarchické vícenásobné regresní modely. Odhadli jsme, že rozptyl 46,1 % v krátkodobé paměti byl zapříčiněn hladinami BDNF v séru, přičemž druhým statisticky významným prediktorem byl věk (beta = –0,22; p = 0,030). Síla dolních končetin (lower limb strength, LLS) prokázala významnou prediktivní sílu jak u paměti – bezprostřední vybavení (beta = 0,39; p = 0,004), tak u paměti – oddálené vybavení (beta = 0,45; p = 0,001). Hladiny BDNF v séru byly významným prediktorem u oddáleného vybavení (beta = 0,29; p = 0,048). Přidání hladin BDNF do modelu prokázalo významné zvýšení jeho prediktivní síly o přibližně 5,6 % (p = 0,048) u paměti – oddálené vybavení. Index kosterní svalové hmoty (skeletal muscle index, SMI) a úroveň vzdělání byly významnými prediktory mentální flexibility. Byla zjištěna silná pozitivní asociace mezi hladinami BDNF, irisinem, svalovou silou a kognitivní funkcí, přičemž irisin a svalová síla jsou silnými prediktory hladin BDNF u starších žen. Studie byla realizována s podporou grantu Univerzity Karlovy – PRIMUS/19/HUM/012, Specifického vysokoškolského výzkumu SVV 260599, projektu COOPERATIO a Grantové agentury UK číslo grantu 268321. Korespondenční adresa: PhDr. Veronika Holá Katedra gymnastiky a úpolových sportů FTVS UK José Martího 269/31 162 52 Praha 6-Veleslavín e-mail: veronika.hola@ftvs.cuni.cz

Understanding the relationship between sensorimotor variables and exerkines related to brain function and cognition may help better understand biological ageing. The main aim of this study was to determine how strongly brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), irisin, muscle mass and muscle strength are associated and predict scores on selected cognitive domain tests in older women. Fifty seven older women (mean age 70.4 ± 4.1 years) underwent a battery of cognitive and psychological tests and measurements of isometric dynamometry and bioelectrical impedance. Serum exerkines levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hierarchical multiple regression models were used to test the predictions. We estimated that 46.1% of the variance in short-term memory was accounted for by serum BDNF levels, with age being the second statistically significant predictor (Beta = -0.22; p = 0.030). Lower limb strength (LLS) showed significant predictive power in both immediate (Beta = 0.39; p = 0.004) and delayed memory (Beta = 0.45; p = 0.001), serum BDNF levels were a significant predictor in delayed memory (Beta = 0.29; p = 0.048). Adding serum BDNF levels to the model showed a significant increase in predictive power of approximately 5.6% (p = 0.048) in delayed memory. Skeletal muscle index (SMI) and education level were significant predictors of mental flexibility. A strong positive association between BDNF levels, irisin, muscle strength, and cognitive function was found, with irisin and muscle strength being strong predictors of BDNF levels in older women.

• Keywords
• irisin,
• MeSH
• Fibronectin Type III Domain physiology   MeSH
• Cognition physiology   MeSH
• Cognitive Aging * physiology   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor blood   MeSH
• Neuropsychological Tests * statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Memory physiology   MeSH
• Prognosis MeSH
• Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
• Regression Analysis MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Muscular Atrophy etiology   MeSH
• Muscle Strength physiology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

BACKGROUND: Maintaining healthy brain function during ageing is of great importance, especially for the self-sufficiency of older adults. The main aim of this study was to determine the effects of dance and martial arts on exerkines Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and irisin blood serum levels. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of dance and martial arts on serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and irisin levels, as well as cognitive function, mood, and physical measures in older adults. Seventy-seven independently living older adults (mean age 70.3±3.8 years) were randomized into three groups: dance (DG), martial arts (MaG), and control (CG), followed over 12 weeks. Generalized linear models were used to assess the interventions' effects. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in BDNF levels in both the DG (1.8 ± 4.9, p < 0.05) and MaG (3.5 ± 6.3, p < 0.05), while CG experienced a decrease (-4.9 ± 8.2, p < 0.05). Between-group effects were significant for BDNF, with DG and MaG showing higher levels than CG (p < 0.05). No significant changes in irisin levels were found. Cognitive performance, particularly attention and mental flexibility (measured by the Trail Making Test A and B), significantly improved in the DG compared to CG (p < 0.05). Additionally, participants in DG showed improved mood based on the Geriatric Depression Scale (p < 0.05) compared to CG. Anthropometric T-scores were significantly associated with changes in irisin levels (p < 0.05) after intervention. CONCLUSION: The study found that dance and martial arts upregulated BDNF levels, with dance showing notable improvements in cognitive function and mood in older adults. Changes in anthropometric measures were linked to increased irisin levels. These findings suggest that both dance and martial arts may promote healthy brain function in aging populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05363228.

• MeSH
• Affect MeSH
• Martial Arts * physiology   MeSH
• Fibronectins * blood   MeSH
• Cognition * MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor * blood   MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Dancing * physiology   MeSH
• Physical Fitness * physiology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Randomized Controlled Trial MeSH

The purpose of supervision is to ensure that clients' needs are met and to monitor the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions and the therapeutic relationship. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) supervision is the systematic cooperation of the supervisee with the supervisor, which aims at increasing the therapists' competencies when working with specific clients. The advantage of supervision is the possibility to shape and develop the therapist's practical skills through specific techniques. This paper aims to review currently available CBT supervision strategies that boost the development of therapists' skills and provide possible examples. Various techniques are discussed, including behavioural, cognitive, imagery and psychodrama methods that facilitate supervisors in enhancing therapists' skills. In addition, complementary approaches are discussed, such as role-playing, modelling, chaining, or imitation to present at a particular moment of the therapy, increase the insight into the client's perspective or the treatment itself, and search for an alternative approach to improve the therapeutic outcomes for the client. Overall, the article describes the supervisor's need to have a flexible variety of skills and know which learning methods might be most effective for boosting the supervisee's skill level and needs with a particular client.

• MeSH
• Behavior Therapy * education   MeSH
• Clinical Competence * MeSH
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy * methods   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH

BACKGROUND: Existing research underscores the positive influence of consistent physical activity, fitness, and motor coordination on school-aged children's cognitive and academic performance. However, a gap exists in fully understanding this relationship among preschoolers, a critical age group where the development of cognitive functions is significant. The study aims to expand upon existing evidence that connects motor and cognitive development by examining the correlation between specific motor coordination and physical fitness skills and the development of constructive and conceptual thinking in preschool-aged children. METHODS: Data from 56 children aged 4-5 years (mean age 4.5 ± 0.36y), comprising 30 girls and 26 boys, participated in this study. We assessed muscular strength (via standing long jump, wall toss test, flexibility), agility (4 × 5 m shuttle), cardiorespiratory fitness (20 m pacer test), and motor coordination (lateral jumping, platform shifting). Cognitive abilities were measured using the IDS-P. RESULTS: Linear regression models showed that significant predictors of constructive thinking scores were observed solely for flexibility (p = 0.02) and shifting platforms (p = 0.01). Notably, flexibility exhibited a negative relationship (β = -1.68). In the context of conceptual thinking, significant predictors (p < 0.05) included standing long jump (p = 0.01), jumping laterally (p = 0.005), shifting platforms (p = 0.001), throwing (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Coordination-demanding activities seem to be related considerably to conceptual thinking in preschoolers. Integrating such motor activities into preschool curricula that demand cognitive engagement can positively influence the development of cognitive functions.

• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH