Spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA) are rare neurodegenerative diseases affecting the cerebellum and its connections, leading to progressive motor disability and cognitive impairment as part of the cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome. Spatial navigation, cognitive function important for everyday movement, relies on spatial perspective taking-the ability to imagine the environment from different viewpoints. While animal and neuroimaging studies suggest a crucial role of the cerebellum in spatial navigation, research on patients with cerebellar disorders is lacking. This study aimed to investigate perspective taking in patients with SCA and Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) using two tests. The Perspective-Taking/Spatial Orientation Test (PTSOT) was administered to 30 SCA patients, 30 FRDA patients, and 34 healthy controls (HC). In addition, SCA and HC completed the Directional-approach Task and a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. SCA patients performed significantly worse than HC on both perspective taking tests. FRDA patients performed better than SCA and differed from HC only in a subset of PTSOT measures. Perspective taking performance in SCA was associated with global cognition and multiple cognitive domains but not with cerebellar motor impairment. These findings are of potential clinical relevance, as spatial navigation deficits are known to negatively affect the mobility and independence of the affected individuals. Our findings expand the understanding of cognitive impairments in cerebellar diseases, adding spatial navigation to the spectrum of the cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome.

• Keywords
• Cerebellum, Cognition, Friedreich ataxia, Spatial navigation, Spatial perspective taking, Spinocerebellar ataxia,
• MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Friedreich Ataxia * physiopathology   psychology   MeSH
• Cognition MeSH
• Cognitive Dysfunction physiopathology   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Cerebellum physiopathology   MeSH
• Neuropsychological Tests MeSH
• Spatial Navigation * physiology   MeSH
• Spinocerebellar Ataxias * physiopathology   psychology   MeSH
• Case-Control Studies MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Isolated REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) is associated with impaired colour discrimination, cognitive deficits and morphological changes. This study evaluates whether colour discrimination deficits in iRBD are mediated by cognitive functions or related to dopaminergic denervation and brain morphology. A sample of 73 patients with iRBD and 77 controls underwent neuropsychological assessment, and colour discrimination assessment using the Farnsworth Munsell 100 Hue Test, DAT-SPECT, and MRI. The data were analyzed using multiple regression, mediation analysis, and voxel-based morphometry. Significant between-group differences were found in total colour discrimination as well as in the red-yellow spectrum. The association between iRBD and performance in the yellow-green spectrum was mediated by cognitive functions, as measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. In controls, a positive correlation between the yellow-green spectrum and the left inferior frontal gyrus was observed compared to patients, however, this association was largely driven by a single data point. The performance in the green-blue spectrum was associated with the activity of dopamine transporters in the caudate nucleus. No interactions were found for total colour discrimination in any analysis. The present findings demonstrate a colour vision deficit in iRBD, which is not directly linked to any of the proposed potential explanatory mechanisms.

• Keywords
• Cognitive functions, Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue Test, REM sleep behavior disorder, Synucleinopathy, Vision,
• MeSH
• Dopamine * metabolism   MeSH
• Adult MeSH
• Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon MeSH
• Cognitive Dysfunction * etiology   physiopathology   diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging MeSH
• Brain * diagnostic imaging   pathology   MeSH
• REM Sleep Behavior Disorder * diagnostic imaging   pathology   metabolism   complications   physiopathology   MeSH
• Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins metabolism   MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Color Perception * physiology   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Adult MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Dopamine * MeSH
• Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins MeSH

BACKGROUND: Spatial navigation deficits are early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele is the most important genetic risk factor for AD. This study investigated effects of APOE genotype on spatial navigation in biomarker-defined individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and associations of AD biomarkers and atrophy of AD-related brain regions with spatial navigation. METHODS: 107 participants, cognitively normal older adults (CN, n = 48) and aMCI individuals stratified into AD aMCI (n = 28) and non-AD aMCI (n = 31) groups, underwent cognitive assessment, brain MRI, and spatial navigation assessment using the Virtual Supermarket Test with egocentric and allocentric tasks and a self-report questionnaire. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers (amyloid-β1-42, phosphorylated tau181 and total tau) and amyloid PET imaging were assessed in aMCI participants. RESULTS: AD aMCI participants had the highest prevalence of APOE ε4 carriers and worst allocentric navigation. CSF levels of AD biomarkers and atrophy in AD-related brain regions were associated with worse allocentric navigation. Between-group differences in spatial navigation and associations with AD biomarkers and regional brain atrophy were not influenced by APOE genotype. Self-reported navigation ability was similar across groups and unrelated to spatial navigation performance. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that allocentric navigation deficits in aMCI individuals are predominantly driven by AD pathology, independent of APOE genotype. This highlights the role of AD pathology as measured by biomarkers, rather than genetic status, as a major factor in navigational impairment in aMCI, and emphasizes the assessment of spatial navigation as a valuable tool for early detection of AD.

• Keywords
• Allocentric navigation, Amyloid-β, Egocentric navigation, Entorhinal cortex, Hippocampus, Tau protein,
• MeSH
• Alzheimer Disease * genetics   cerebrospinal fluid   diagnostic imaging   complications   physiopathology   pathology   MeSH
• Amyloid beta-Peptides cerebrospinal fluid   MeSH
• Apolipoprotein E4 * genetics   MeSH
• Apolipoproteins E * genetics   MeSH
• Atrophy MeSH
• Biomarkers cerebrospinal fluid   MeSH
• Genotype MeSH
• Cognitive Dysfunction * genetics   cerebrospinal fluid   diagnostic imaging   physiopathology   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging MeSH
• Brain pathology   diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Neuropsychological Tests MeSH
• Peptide Fragments cerebrospinal fluid   MeSH
• Positron-Emission Tomography MeSH
• Spatial Navigation * physiology   MeSH
• tau Proteins cerebrospinal fluid   MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Check Tag
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Names of Substances
• amyloid beta-protein (1-42) MeSH Browser
• Amyloid beta-Peptides MeSH
• Apolipoprotein E4 * MeSH
• Apolipoproteins E * MeSH
• Biomarkers MeSH
• Peptide Fragments MeSH
• tau Proteins MeSH

BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD) is a key non-motor complication during the disease course. OBJECTIVES: A review of detailed cognitive instruments to detect mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) or dementia (PDD) is needed to establish optimal tests that facilitate diagnostic accuracy. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature review of tests that assess memory, language including premorbid intelligence, and visuospatial domains (for tests of attention and executive functions see accompanying review) to determine suitability to assess cognition in PD. Based on in-depth scrutiny of psychometric and other relevant clinimetric properties, tests were rated as "recommended," "recommended with caveats," "suggested," or "listed" by the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (IPMDS) panel of experts according to the IPMDS Clinical Outcome Assessment Scientific Evaluation Committee guidelines. RESULTS: We included 39 tests encompassing 48 outcome measures. Seven tests (different versions or subtests of the test counted once) were recommended, including four for memory, one for visuospatial domains, one for language (including three measures), and one for estimated premorbid intelligence. Furthermore, 10 tests (12 measures) were "recommended with caveats," 11 were "suggested," and 11 (15 measures) were "listed." CONCLUSIONS: Recommended neuropsychological tests in memory, visuospatial functions, and language are proposed to guide the assessment of cognitive impairment and its progression in PD-MCI and PDD, and for use in clinical trials to stratify participants or as outcome measures. Novel measures being developed will need extensive validation research to be "recommended." © 2025 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

• Keywords
• Parkinson's disease, clinimetric, cognitive, dementia, neuropsychology, rating scales, test,
• MeSH
• Language * MeSH
• Cognitive Dysfunction * diagnosis   etiology   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Neuropsychological Tests * standards   MeSH
• Memory * physiology   MeSH
• Parkinson Disease * complications   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Systematic Review 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.

• Keywords
• ageing, biomarkers, cognitive domains, cognitive function, cognitive performance, serum,
• 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
• Names of Substances
• BDNF protein, human MeSH Browser
• Fibronectins * MeSH
• FNDC5 protein, human MeSH Browser
• Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor * MeSH

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the Uniform Data Set (UDS) 2 battery in distinguishing between individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) attributable to Alzheimer's disease (MCI-AD) and those with MCI due to other causes (MCI-nonAD), based on contemporary AT(N) biomarker criteria. Despite the implementation of the novel UDS 3 battery, the UDS 2 battery is still used in several non-English-speaking countries. METHODS: We employed a cross-sectional design. A total of 113 Czech participants with MCI underwent a comprehensive diagnostic assessment, including cerebrospinal fluid biomarker evaluation, resulting in two groups: 45 individuals with prodromal AD (A+T+) and 68 participants with non-Alzheimer's pathological changes or normal AD biomarkers (A-). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed with neuropsychological test scores and demographic variables as predictors and AD status as an outcome. Model 1 included UDS 2 scores that differed between AD and non-AD groups (Logical Memory delayed recall), Model 2 employed also Letter Fluency and Rey's Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT). The two models were compared using area under the receiver operating characteristic curves. We also created separate logistic regression models for each of the UDS 2 scores. RESULTS: Worse performance in delayed recall of Logical Memory significantly predicted the presence of positive AD biomarkers. In addition, the inclusion of Letter Fluency RAVLT into the model significantly enhanced its discriminative capacity. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that using Letter Fluency and RAVLT alongside the UDS 2 battery can enhance its potential for differential diagnostics.

• Keywords
• Alzheimer’s disease, Assessment, Mild cognitive impairment,
• MeSH
• Alzheimer Disease * diagnosis   cerebrospinal fluid   MeSH
• Amyloid beta-Peptides cerebrospinal fluid   MeSH
• Biomarkers * cerebrospinal fluid   MeSH
• Diagnosis, Differential MeSH
• Cognitive Dysfunction * diagnosis   etiology   MeSH
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Neuropsychological Tests * standards   statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• tau Proteins cerebrospinal fluid   MeSH
• Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Check Tag
• Middle Aged MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Amyloid beta-Peptides MeSH
• Biomarkers * MeSH
• tau Proteins MeSH

Impaired spatial navigation is early marker of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We examined ability of self- and informant-reported navigation questionnaires to discriminate between clinically and biomarker-defined participants, and associations of questionnaires with navigation performance, regional brain atrophy, AD biomarkers, and biomarker status. 262 participants (cognitively normal, with subjective cognitive decline, amnestic mild cognitive impairment [aMCI], and mild dementia) and their informants completed three navigation questionnaires. Navigation performance, magnetic resonance imaging volume/thickness of AD-related brain regions, and AD biomarkers were measured. Informant-reported questionnaires distinguished between cognitively normal and impaired participants, and amyloid-β positive and negative aMCI. Lower scores were associated with worse navigation performance, greater atrophy in AD-related brain regions, and amyloid-β status. Self-reported questionnaire scores did not distinguish between the groups and were weakly associated with navigation performance. Other associations were not significant. Informant-reported navigation questionnaires may be a screening tool for early AD reflecting atrophy of AD-related brain regions and AD pathology.

• Keywords
• Clinical neuroscience, Disease, Neuroscience,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

We sought to describe the cognitive profile of patients with Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (iNPH) using a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Based on age and education correlated norms, we aimed to compare performance in each measured cognitive domain: executive functions (EFs), verbal memory (VM), non-verbal memory (nVM), visuoconstructional abilities (VA) and attention/psychomotor speed (A/PS). Patients diagnosed with iNPH underwent comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation before shunting. Their performance was compared to the age and education correlated norms. Correlation of different cognitive domains in iNPH profile was performed. A total of 53 iNPH patients (73.21 ± 5.48 years) were included in the study. All of the measured cognitive domains were significantly damaged. The most affected domains were EFs and VM (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). A/PS domain was affected milder than EFs and VM (p<0.001). The least affected domains were nVM (p<0.001) and VA (p<0.001). Patients with iNPH are affected in all cognitive domains and the cognitive decline is uneven across these domains. The impairment of memory was shown to depend on the presented material. VM was shown to be much more severely affected than nVM and along with VM, EFs were shown to be the most affected. A/PS speed was shown to be less affected than VM and EFs and the least affected domains were nVM and VA.

• Keywords
• Cognitive decline, executive functions, Neuropsychology, Normal pressure hydrocephalus,
• MeSH
• Executive Function MeSH
• Cognition MeSH
• Cognitive Dysfunction * MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Neuropsychological Tests MeSH
• Hydrocephalus, Normal Pressure * diagnosis   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Alterations in the default mode network (DMN) are associated with aging. We assessed age-dependent changes of DMN interactions and correlations with a battery of neuropsychological tests, to understand the differences of DMN directed connectivity between young and older subjects. Using a novel multivariate analysis method on resting-state functional MRI data from fifty young and thirty-one healthy older subjects, we calculated intra- and inter-DMN 4-nodes directed pathways. For the old subject group, we calculated the partial correlations of inter-DMN pathways with: psychomotor speed and working memory, executive function, language, long-term memory and visuospatial function. Pathways connecting the DMN with visual and limbic regions in older subjects engaged at BOLD low frequency and involved the dorsal posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), whereas in young subjects, they were at high frequency and involved the ventral PCC. Pathways combining the sensorimotor (SM) cortex and the DMN, were SM efferent in the young subjects and SM afferent in the older subjects. Most DMN efferent pathways correlated with reduced speed and working memory. We suggest that the reduced sensorimotor efferent and the increased need to control such activities, cause a higher dependency on external versus internal cues thus suggesting how physical activity might slow aging.

• Keywords
• Aging, Default mode network, Directed functional connectivity MRI, Multivariate analysis, Neuropsychological tests,
• MeSH
• Memory, Short-Term MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging methods   MeSH
• Brain Mapping * methods   MeSH
• Brain * diagnostic imaging   MeSH
• Neural Pathways MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Aging MeSH
• Healthy Volunteers MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

INTRODUCTION: Studies in the sensorimotor system of older versus young individuals have shown alterations in functional connectivity and organization. Our objective was to explore the implications of these differences in terms of local organizations, and to identify processes that correlate with neuropsychological parameters. METHODS: Using a novel multivariate analysis method on resting-state functional MRI data obtained from 50 young and 31 older healthy individuals, we identified directed 4-node functional pathways within the sensorimotor system and examined their correlations with neuropsychological assessments. RESULTS: In young individuals, the functional pathways were unidirectional, flowing from the primary motor and sensory cortices to higher motor and visual regions. In older individuals, the functional pathways were more complex. They originated either from the calcarine sulcus or the insula and passed through mutually coupled high-order motor areas before reaching the primary sensory and motor cortices. Additionally, the pathways in older individuals that resembled those found in young individuals exhibited a positive correlation with years of education. DISCUSSION: The flow pattern of young individuals suggests efficient and fast information transfer. In contrast, the mutual coupling of high-order motor regions in older individuals suggests an inefficient and slow transfer, a less segregated and a more integrated organization. The differences in the number of sensorimotor pathways and of their directionality suggests reduced efferent degenerated pathways and increased afferent compensated pathways. Furthermore, the positive effect of years of education may be associated with the Cognitive Reserve Hypothesis, implying that cognitive reserve could be maintained through specific information transfer pathways.

• Keywords
• aging, dedifferentiation, functional connectivity, multivariate analysis, neuropsychological tests, the impaired GABA theory,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH