Evidence in the literature indicates that neurocognitive impairments may represent endophenotypes in psychiatric disorders.ObjectiveThis study aimed to conduct a systematic review on executive functions as a potential neurocognitive endophenotype in anxiety disorder diagnosis according to the DSM-IV and DSM-5 classifications.MethodsA literature search of the LILACS, Cochrane Library, Index Psi Periódicos Técnico-Científicos, PubMed and PsycInfo databases was conducted, with no time limits. Of the 259 studies found, 14 were included in this review.ResultsOnly studies on obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) were found. The executive function components of decision-making, planning, response inhibition, behavioral reversal/alternation, reversal learning and set-shifting/cognitive flexibility were considered to be a neurocognitive endophenotypes in OCD.ConclusionFurther studies on executive functions as a neurocognitive endophenotype in other anxiety disorders are needed since these may have different neurocognitive endophenotypes and require other prevention and treatment approaches.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder related to aging and central nervous system dysfunctions. Besides compromising the memory, AD is responsible for deficits in attention, orientation, organization, the capacity of planning and judging, among other cognitive functions, leading to the inability of living independently. The pharmacological treatment is only palliative. Thus, researches on stem cells implants emerge as promising prospects for the cure of central nervous system's disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of stem cells implants from human dental pulp, human adipose tissue and mice renal tissue on the behavior of rats in a model for AD. To this purpose, male adult rats of Wistar strain underwent stereotactic surgery for lesions of the nucleus basalis magnocellularis with unilateral AMPA infusions. Twenty one days from surgery for lesions, In the elevated T-maze, the significant mean was identified in the inhibitory avoidance (p= 0.028). Implants of stem cells demonstrated an improvement in the performance of implanted animals compared to the non-implanted group.