Sensitivity to losses has been found to vary greatly across individuals. One explanation for this variability is that for some losses garner more visual attention and are subsequently given more weight in decision-making processes. In three studies we examined whether biases in visual attention toward potential losses during valuation and choice were related to loss sensitivity, as well as the valuations provided and the choices made. In all studies, we find a positive relationship between estimated loss sensitivity and attention to losses for valuation, with increased attention to losses predicting decreased valuations. For choices, however, there was no robust relationship between attention and loss sensitivity or the choices made. In addition, preferences were not strongly consistent across tasks (i.e., valuations and choices did not robustly align), nor was the distribution of attention robustly related across tasks. Study 3 involved testing across separate sessions and found significant consistency in loss sensitivity and attention to losses across sessions for both choice and valuation. In sum, it appears that loss sensitivity varies across individuals, is differentially related to attention across tasks, and shows some consistency across time. Attention to losses also shows consistency across time, and its relationship with valuations appears much more robust than with choices; patterns of results that add to research suggesting that different cognitive processes underlie valuations and choices.
Considered an antidepressant and anti-anxiety agent, Hypericum perforatum affects multiple neurotransmitters in a non-competitive synergistic manner, and may have nootropic potential. We quantitatively reviewed the pre-clinical literature to examine if there is a cognitive-enhancing effect of H. perforatum in healthy rodents. Additionally, within these studies, we compared the effects observed in intact rodents versus those whose performance has been impaired, mostly through stress manipulations. The meta-analysis incorporated studies that examined the effect of H. perforatum versus placebo on memory indices of task performance. All analyses were based on weighting different studies according to their inverse variance. Thirteen independent studies (published 2000–2014) involving 20 experimental comparisons met our inclusion criteria. The results showed a large positive effect of H. perforatum on cognitive performance for intact, healthy rodents (d = 1.11), though a larger effect emerged for stress-impaired rodents (d = 3.10 for restraint stress). The positive effect on intact rodents was observed in tasks assessing reference memory as well as working memory, and was not moderated by the type of memory or motivation (appetitive versus aversive). Thus, while primarily considered as a medication for depression, H. perforatum shows considerable nootropic potential in rodents.
Background: Developing efficient cognitive training for the older population is a major public health goal due to its potential cognitive benefits. A promising training target is executive control, critical for multitasking in everyday life. The aim of this pilot study was to establish the feasibility and acceptability of the Breakfast Task training in older adults, a new web-based cognitive training platform that simulates real-life multitasking demands. Methods: A community-based sample of 24 cognitively healthy participants aged between 60 and 75 ( M = 69.12, SD = 3.83) underwent 5-session cognitive training protocol, delivered online. Each session lasted 45 minutes and occurred twice a week at participant’s homes. Performance was recorded, and participants completed questionnaires at baseline and after the intervention. Results: Feasibility metrics showed overall high recruitment (82.7%), adherence and retention rates (100%). Acceptability was considered good based on participant`s quantitative and qualitative responses. On average, participants rated the game as interesting, enjoyable and did not report difficulties in accessing the game online without supervision or in understanding the instructions. Participants showed a learning curve across sessions, suggesting improvement in the game outcomes and potential benefits from the emphasis change training approach. The study identified relevant areas that need improvements and adjustments, such as technical issues, session’s structure and dose. Conclusions: The findings provide preliminary support for the feasibility and acceptability of the Breakfast Task training platform in cognitively healthy older adults, with promising potential cognitive benefits. Results suggest the value of further research investigating the Breakfast Task training features and dose-response relationship, as well as its potential efficacy in older adults via larger randomized controlled trials. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov : NCT04195230 (Registered 11 December 2019). https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04195230
Background Developing efficient cognitive training for the older population is a major public health goal due to its potential cognitive benefits. A promising cognitive training target is executive control, critical for multitasking in everyday life. The aim of this pilot study was to establish the feasibility and acceptability of the Breakfast Task in older adults, a new web-based cognitive training platform that simulates real-life multitasking demands. Research Design and Methods A community-based sample of 24 cognitively healthy participants aged between 60 and 75 (M = 69.12, SD = 3.83) underwent an online 5-session training protocol. Each session lasted 40 minutes and occurred twice a week at participant’s homes. Game performance was recorded, and participants completed questionnaires at baseline and after the intervention. Results Feasibility metrics showed overall high recruitment (82.7%), adherence and retention rates (100%). Acceptability was considered good based on participant`s quantitative and qualitative responses. On average, participants rated the game as interesting, enjoyable and did not report difficulties in accessing the game online or in understanding the instructions. Moreover, participants showed a learning curve across sessions, improvement in most game outcomes and benefits from the emphasis change approach. Discussion and Implications: The findings provide preliminary support for the feasibility and acceptability of the Breakfast Task training platform with community-dwelling older adults and demonstrate potential cognitive benefits. Results suggest the value of further research investigating the Breakfast Task features and dose-response relationship, as well as its efficacy in older adults via larger randomized controlled trials.
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