Positive and Negative Neuroplasticity: Implications for Age-Related Cognitive Declines

Vance, David E.; Wright, Mary Annette

doi:10.3928/00989134-20090428-02

Cited by 27 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 40 publications

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“…Such training is designed on the principles of positive and negative neuroplasticity. Positive neuroplasticity involves the development of new neuronal connections and strengthening of existing connections in response to a novel stimulating activity (i.e., learning a new task); thus, these neurological changes may increase cognitive reserve and facilitate learning (Mahncke, Bronstone, & Merzenich, 2006; Vance & Wright, 2009). In contrast, exposure to elements that promote negative neuroplasticity (e.g., stress, substance abuse, insomnia) inhibits formation of new neuronal connections and may decrease cognitive reserve, which in turn may make the brain more susceptible to cognitive deficits (Mahncke et al, 2006; Vance, Roberson, McGuiness, & Fazeli, 2010; Vance & Wright, 2009).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Feasibility of a Home-Based Speed of Processing Training Program in Middle-Aged and Older Adults With HIV

Cody

Fazeli

Vance

2015

Journal of Neuroscience Nursing

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There has been much optimism over the positive impact of cART on life expectancy for people with HIV; however, those aging with HIV fear potential day-to-day challenges associated with the development of cognitive deficits. The presence of cognitive deficits has generated major safety concerns as it has been shown to impact driving, mobility, and employment. Given the efficacy of a computerized speed of processing training program administered in the laboratory to older adults and adults with HIV, this study was designed to determine the feasibility of a home-based speed of processing training program in improving cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults with HIV. In this within-subjects pre-post experimental design, twenty middle-aged and older adults (i.e., age 40+) with HIV were administered a brief neuropsychological assessment to gauge their baseline cognitive function before participating in a 10-hour home-based computerized cognitive remediation training program. In addition to self-reported cognitive gains, a six-week posttest indicated significant improvements on the Useful Field of View (UFOV®), a measure of speed of processing and possible transfer to the Timed Instrumental Activities of Daily Living test, a measure of everyday functioning. These findings show that speed of processing training can successfully improve cognitive function in this vulnerable population even when administered in remote settings such as the privacy of one's home.

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mentioning

confidence: 99%

Feasibility of a Home-Based Speed of Processing Training Program in Middle-Aged and Older Adults With HIV

Cody

Fazeli

Vance

2015

Journal of Neuroscience Nursing

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“…These processes of positive and negative neuroplasticity have been observed in animal and human studies alike (Restak, 2009; Stern, 2009; Vance & Crowe, 2006; Vance & Wright, 2009). For example, in a seminal study involving 60 community-dwelling older adults ( M age = 60), Boyke and colleagues (2008) conducted brain MRIs to these participants (i.e., Time 1).…”

Section: Cognitive Reservementioning

confidence: 78%

“…Cognitive reserve, sometimes referred to as brain reserve, refers to the amount of damage that neurons and neuronal connections can absorb and yet support the physiological function needed to support cognition (Restak, 2009; Stern, 2009; Vance & Wright, 2009). Thus, the more complex and sophisticated the connections between neurons are, the better they are able to communicate and support cognition, even in lieu of disease-related insults.…”

Section: Cognitive Reservementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Likewise, negative neuroplasticity refers to those physiological activities in the brain that abate or stymie the formation of more intricate and sophisticated neural connections. Factors that support negative neuroplasticity are lack of exposure to novel and stimulating stimuli (e.g., lack of social contact) and conditions that promote poor overall health (e.g., substance abuse, co-morbidities) (Vance & Crowe, 2006; Vance & Wright, 2009). …”

Section: Cognitive Reservementioning

confidence: 99%

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The Synergistic Effects of HIV, Diabetes, and Aging on Cognition

Vance

Fazeli

Dodson

et al. 2014

Journal of Neuroscience Nursing

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In addition to the obvious health problems and/or physical limitations associated with HIV, diabetes, and aging, each of these are known to independently affect cognitive functioning. While this relationship to cognition does not necessarily mean frank cognitive impairments are inevitable with HIV, diabetes, and aging, it does entail that each of these conditions may lead to poorer cognitive performance compared to younger adults and individuals without HIV and diabetes. Many individuals may be aware of the physical symptoms associated with these diseases, but may be unaware of the cognitive outcomes associated with HIV and diabetes, especially if not controlled by medication and a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, individuals may be unaware of the significance of maintaining optimal cognitive functioning in order to maintain optimal everyday functioning abilities such as driving, cooking, managing medication regimens, and negotiating finances. Given that highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has allowed individuals with HIV to live to reach older adulthood, and that dysglycemia and/or type 2 diabetes can be a metabolic side effect of these medications (Biron et al., 2012; Norbiato, 2012; Raper, 2010), it is reasonable to assume that there is a subset of individuals aging with HIV and diabetes, which may become more prevalent as individuals continue to age with HIV in the coming decades. Thus, the purpose of this article is to inform healthcare providers and researchers about the cognitive outcomes associated with HIV, diabetes, and aging independently within the context of cognitive reserve, and then to examine the potential synergistic effects of these conditions in individuals living with all three (Figure 1). This article also incorporates potential intervention strategies to protect and possibly improve cognitive functioning, or at the very least mitigate cognitive loss, in this population.

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“…28,29 In fact, cognitive reserve may explain why individuals experience differential rates of change in cognitive function, and that such cognitive reserve capacity may provide a buffer to cognitive decline. 30 Recent evidence demonstrates that cognitive reserve offers protection from neuronal damage. 31 Unfortunately, once the damage accumulates to a certain threshold, cognitive deficits begin to emerge.…”

Section: Principles Of Cognitive Reserve and Neuroplasticitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Cognitive Consequences of Aging With HIV

Vance¹,

McDougall²,

Wilson³

et al. 2014

Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation

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Combination active antiretroviral therapy prevents HIV from replicating and ravaging the immune system, thus allowing people to age with this disease. Unfortunately, the synergistic effects of HIV and aging can predispose many to become more at-risk of developing cognitive deficits which can interfere with medical management, everyday functioning, and quality of life. The purpose of this article is to describe the role of cognitive reserve and neuroplasticity on cognitive functioning in those aging with this disease. Specifically, the role of environment and the health of these individuals can compromise cognitive functioning. Fortunately, some cognitive interventions such as prevention and management of co-morbidities, cognitive remediation therapy, and neurotropic medications may be of value in preventing and rehabilitating the cognitive consequences of aging with HIV. Novel approaches such as cognitive prescriptions, transcranial direct stimulation, and binaural beat therapy may also be considered as possible techniques for cognitive rehabilitation.

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Positive and Negative Neuroplasticity: Implications for Age-Related Cognitive Declines

Cited by 27 publications

References 40 publications

Feasibility of a Home-Based Speed of Processing Training Program in Middle-Aged and Older Adults With HIV

Feasibility of a Home-Based Speed of Processing Training Program in Middle-Aged and Older Adults With HIV

The Synergistic Effects of HIV, Diabetes, and Aging on Cognition

Cognitive Consequences of Aging With HIV

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