Objective Implicit skill learning is hypothesized to depend on nondeclarative memory that operates independent of the medial temporal lobe (MTL) memory system and instead depends on cortico-striatal circuits between the basal ganglia and cortical areas supporting motor function and planning. Research with the Serial Reaction Time (SRT) task suggests that patients with memory-disorders due to MTL damage exhibit normal implicit sequence learning. However, reports of intact learning rely on observations of no group differences, leading to speculation whether implicit sequence learning is fully intact in these patients. Patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD) often exhibit impaired sequence learning, but this impairment is not universally observed. Method Implicit perceptual-motor sequence learning was examined using the Serial Interception Sequence Learning (SISL) task in patients with amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI; n=11) and patients with PD (n=15). Sequence learning in SISL is resistant to explicit learning and individually adapted task difficulty controls for baseline performance differences. Results Patients with MCI exhibited robust sequence learning, equivalent to healthy older adults (n=20), supporting the hypothesis that the MTL does not contribute to learning in this task. In contrast, the majority of patients with PD exhibited no sequence-specific learning in spite of matched overall task performance. Two patients with PD exhibited performance indicative of an explicit compensatory strategy suggesting that impaired implicit learning may lead to greater reliance on explicit memory in some individuals. Conclusion The differences in learning between patient groups provides strong evidence in favor of implicit sequence learning depending solely on intact basal ganglia function with no contribution from the MTL memory system.

Increased levels of cognitive activity may improve general cognitive function in older adults and potentially increase cognitive reserve, protecting against the onset of dementia associated with syndromes like Alzheimer's disease. To test the efficacy of cognitive training administered online, 18 participants (11 cognitively healthy; 7 mild cognitive impairment) were recruited from a clinical population of older adults to complete an online training intervention (CogniFit™). Before and after training, participants completed a separate battery of assessment measures, including measures of quality of life and competency at everyday activities, as well as a series of tests assessing cognitive function. Participants generally adhered to the online training protocol and completed a computerized assessment battery pre- and post-training. However, participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were somewhat less likely to adhere to the protocol, suggesting that more direct contact is needed with this population in intervention research. Furthermore, participants demonstrated significant improvement on a measure of working memory and also in processing speed across several assessments, though these data are tentative, as no control data exist. These results, along with the generally good adherence observed, suggest that online cognitive training is feasible for this population and a potentially valuable tool for the wider dissemination of cognitive training.

Background:Little is known about how Muslim youth in non-Muslim countries perceive depression and its treatment and prevention. Objective: We investigated the barriers and suggest treatment models for depressive disorders in Muslim adolescents and young adults residing in the United States. Methods: We conducted a thorough literature review to identify previous study on the beliefs of American Muslim adolescents about depression and its treatment. We identifi ed the gaps and developed a survey to ascertain this information from American Muslim adolescents. Results: The survey was administered to a convenience sample of 125 Muslim subjects (60.0 % males) aged 14 -21 years. The sample was ethnically diverse with Pakistani (44.8 % ) encompassing the majority of the sample. Most responders believed that recitation from the Koran relieves mental distress. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that those who reported strong emotional support from parents or a greater acceptance of taking depression medication prescribed from a physician were more likely to accept a physician ' s diagnosis, whereas believing in prayer to heal depression was associated with a lower likelihood of the same. Youth were accepting of Internet and preventive approaches.