SHARON SANZ SIMON
Projetos de Pesquisa
Unidades Organizacionais
LIM/21 - Laboratório de Neuroimagem em Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina
14 resultados
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- CogTale: an online platform for the evaluation, synthesis, and dissemination of evidence from cognitive interventions studies(2021) SABATES, Julieta; BELLEVILLE, Sylvie; CASTELLANI, Mary; DWOLATZKY, Tzvi; HAMPSTEAD, Benjamin M.; LAMPIT, Amit; SIMON, Sharon; ANSTEY, Kaarin; GOODENOUGH, Belinda; MANCUSO, Serafino; MARQUES, Davis; SINNOTT, Richard; BAHAR-FUCHS, AlexSystematic reviews and meta-analyses are critical in health-related decision-making, and are considered the gold standard in research synthesis methods. However, with new trials being regularly published and with the development of increasingly rigorous standards of data synthesis, systematic reviews often require much expertise and long periods of time to be completed. Automation of some of the steps of evidence synthesis productions is a promising improvement in the field, capable of reducing the time and costs associated with the process. This article describes the development and main characteristics of a novel online repository of cognitive intervention studies entitled Cognitive Treatments Article Library and Evaluation (CogTale). The platform is currently in a Beta Release phase, as it is still under development. However, it already contains over 70 studies, and the CogTale team is continuously coding and uploading new studies into the repository. Key features include advanced search options, the capability to generate meta-analyses, and an up-to-date display of relevant published studies.
- Metamemory and aging: Psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire for elderly(2016) SIMON, Sharon Sanz; ÁVILA, Renata Thomas; VIEIRA, Gilson; BOTTINO, Cássio Machado de CamposABSTRACT Metamemory measures provide subjective memory information and are relevant to investigate memory ability in aging. However, there is a lack of metamemory instruments available in Brazil. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire (MMQ), which evaluates different dimensions of subjective memory functioning, such as Feelings, Abilities and Strategies used in everyday life. Methods: The MMQ was translated into Portuguese and administered to 30 Brazilian elderly subjects. The participants underwent cognitive tests, mood scales and metamemory instruments. Results: Analyses revealed good internal consistency (Cronbach's a coefficient ranged from 0.75 to 0.89) and test-retest validity for each MMQ dimensions (positive correlations between two applications ranged from 0.75 to 0.8). Convergent validity evidence for the MMQ was confirmed by significant positive correlations (0.47 to 0.68) with dimensions of the Metamemory in Adulthood scale (MIA) (i.e., the Ability, Control, Self-efficacy and Strategy dimensions). Discriminant validity revealed no associations between the MMQ and cognitive performance, suggesting a weak metamemory-objective memory correspondence. Moreover, there was a negative correlation between MMQ-Ability subscale scores and mood symptoms (-0.63 for anxious symptoms, and -0.54 for depressive symptoms); and the Brazilian MMQ was comparable with MMQ translations to other languages. Conclusion: The Brazilian MMQ exhibits good psychometric properties and appears promising for clinical and research purposes. Additional studies are needed to further examine the psychometric properties of the Brazilian MMQ in a larger sample.
- Effects of Mnemonic Strategy Training on Brain Activity and Cognitive Functioning of Left-Hemisphere Ischemic Stroke Patients(2019) BATISTA, Alana X.; BAZAN, Paulo R.; CONFORTO, Adriana B.; MA, Maria da Graca M.; SIMON, Sharon S.; HAMPSTEAD, Benjamin; FIGUEIREDO, Eberval Gadelha; MIOTTO, Eliane C.Memory dysfunction is one of the main cognitive impairments caused by stroke, especially associative memory. Therefore, cognitive training, such as face-name mnemonic strategy training, could be an important intervention for this group of patients. The goal of this study was to evaluate the behavioral effects of face-name mnemonic strategy training, along with the neural substrate behind these effects, in the left frontoparietal lobe stroke patients. Volunteers underwent 2 sessions of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during face-name association task: one prior and the other after the cognitive training. The fMRI followed a block design task with three active conditions: trained face-name pairs, untrained face-name pairs, and a couple of repeated face-name pairs. Prior to each fMRI session, volunteers underwent neuropsychological assessment. Training resulted in better performance on delayed memory scores of HVLT-R, and on recognition on a generalization strategy task, as well as better performance in the fMRI task. Also, trained face-name pairs presented higher activation after training in default-mode network regions, such as the posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, and angular gyrus, as well as in lateral occipital and temporal regions. Similarly, untrained face-name pairs also showed a nonspecific training effect in the right superior parietal cortex, right supramarginal gyrus, anterior intraparietal sulcus, and lateral occipital cortex. A correlation between brain activation and task performance was also found in the angular gyrus, superior parietal cortex, anterior intraparietal sulcus, and lateral occipital cortex. In conclusion, these results suggest that face-name mnemonic strategy training has the potential to improve memory performance and to foster brain activation changes, by the recruitment of contralesional areas from default-mode, frontoparietal, and dorsal attention networks as a possible compensation mechanism.
- The design, evaluation, and reporting on non-pharmacological cognition-oriented treatments for older adults: Results of a survey of experts(2020) SIMON, Sharon Sanz; CASTELLANI, Mary; BELLEVILLE, Sylvie; DWOLATZKY, Tzvi; HAMPSTEAD, Benjamin M.; BAHAR-FUCHS, AlexIntroduction: Cognitive decline and dementia significantly affect independence and quality of life in older adults; therefore, it is critical to identify effective cognition-oriented treatments (COTs; eg, cognitive training, rehabilitation) that can help maintain or enhance cognitive functioning in older adults, as well as reduce dementia risk or alleviate symptoms associated with pathological processes. Methods: The Cognitive Intervention Design Evaluation and Reporting (CIDER), a working group from the Non-Pharmacological Interventions Professional Interest Area (NPI-PIA) of the Alzheimer's Association conducted as survey in 2017 with experts in COTs worldwide. The survey's aims were three-fold: (1) determine the common attitudes, beliefs, and practices of experts involved in the COTs research targeting older people; (2) identify areas of relative agreement and disagreement among experts in the field; and (3) offer a critical review of the literature, including recommendations for future research. Results: The survey identified several areas of agreements among experts on critical features of COTs, and on study design and outcome measures. Nevertheless, there were some areas with relative disagreement. Critically, expert opinions were not always supported by scientific evidence, suggesting that methodologic improvements are needed regarding design, implementation, and reporting of COTs. There was a clear consensus that COTs provide benefits and should be offered to cognitively unimpaired older adults, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and mild dementia, but opinions differed for moderate and severe dementia. In addition, there is no consensus on the potential role of COTs in dementia prevention, indicating that future research should prioritize this aspect. Discussion: Evidence of COTs in older adults is encouraging, but additional evidence is needed to enhance dementia prevention. Consensus building and guidelines in the field are critical to improve and accelerate the development of high-quality evidence for COTs in cognitively unimpaired older adults, and those with MCI and dementia.
- Cognitive and Brain Activity Changes After Mnemonic Strategy Training in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment: Evidence From a Randomized Controlled Tria(2018) SIMON, Sharon S.; HAMPSTEAD, Benjamin M.; NUCCI, Mariana P.; DURAN, Fabio L. S.; FONSECA, Luciana M.; MARTINO, Maria da Graca M.; AVILA, Renata; PORTO, Fabio H. G.; BRUCKI, Sonia M. D.; MARTINS, Camila B.; TASCONE, Lyssandra S.; JR, Edson Amaro; BUSATTO, Geraldo F.; BOTTINO, Cassio M. C.Background: Mnemonic strategy training (MST) has been shown to improve cognitive performance in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (a-MCI), however, several questions remain unresolved. The goal of the present study was to replicate earlier pilot study findings using a randomized controlled design and to evaluate transfer effects and changes in brain activation. Methods: Thirty patients with a-MCI were randomized into MST or education program. At baseline, participants completed clinical and neuropsychological assessments as well as structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Interventions were administered individually and comprised four sessions, over 2 weeks. MST taught patients to use a three-step process to learn and recall face-name associations. Post-treatment assessment included fMRI, a separate face-name association task, neuropsychological tests, and measures of metamemory. Behavioral (i.e., non-fMRI) measures were repeated after one and 3-months. Results: Participants in the MST condition showed greater improvement on measures of face-name memory, and increased associative strategy use; effects that were accompanied by increased fMRI activation in the left anterior temporal lobe. While all participants reported greater contentment with their everyday memory following intervention, only the MST group reported significant improvements in their memory abilities. There was no clear indication of far-transfer effects to other neuropsychological tests. Conclusion: Results demonstrate that patients with a-MCI not only show stimulus specific benefits of MST, but that they appear capable of transferring training to at least some other cognitive tasks. MST also facilitated the use of brain regions that are involved in face processing, episodic and semantic memory, and social cognition, which are consonant with the cognitive processes engaged by training.
- The validity and reliability of the CAMDEX-DS for assessing dementia in adults with Down syndrome in Brazil(2019) FONSECA, Luciana M.; HADDAD, Glenda G.; MATTAR, Guilherme P.; OLIVEIRA, Melaine C. de; SIMON, Sharon S.; GUILHOTO, Laura M.; BUSATTO, Geraldo F.; ZAMAN, Shahid; HOLLAND, Anthony J.; HOEXTER, Marcelo Q.; BOTTINO, Cassio M.Objective: Alzheimer's disease occurs at a higher prevalence and an earlier age in individuals with Down syndrome (DS) than typically developing individuals. However, diagnosing dementia in individuals with intellectual disability remains a challenge due to pre-existing cognitive deficits. The aim of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of the Brazilian version of the Cambridge Examination for Mental Disorders of Older People with Down's syndrome and Others with Intellectual Disabilities (CAMDEX-DS) for individuals with DS. Methods: Two psychiatrists, working independently, evaluated 92 adults with DS >= 30 years of age. The concurrent validity of the CAMDEX-DS was analyzed in relation to the gold standard of established international criteria. In a subgroup of 20 subjects, the concurrent validity of the CAM DEX-DS was analyzed in relation to an independent objective assessment of cognitive decline over three years. We analyzed the inter-rater reliability of cognitive assessment. Results: The diagnostic accuracy of the CAMDEX-DS compared to the gold standard was 96.7%. CAMDEX-DS-based diagnosis was considered consistent with cognitive decline. The probability of a participant with dementia having cognitive decline was 83%. Inter-rater reliability for the participant assessment was good, with a kappa of > 0.8 for 93% of the CAMDEX-DS items. Conclusion: The CAMDEX-DS can be considered the first valid and reliable instrument for evaluating dementia in adults with DS in Brazil. Its use in such individuals could improve clinical practice and research.
- The (in)visible Brazilians: A perspective review on the need for brain health and dementia research with Brazilian immigrants in the United States(2023) SIMON, Sharon Sanz; BRUCKI, Sonia Maria Dozzi; FONSECA, Luciana Mascarenhas; BECKER, Jacqueline; CAPPI, Carolina; MARQUES, Andrea Horvath; HEYN, Patricia C.; GONCALVES, Priscila Dib; MARTINS, Silvia S.; BUSATTO, Geraldo; SUEMOTO, Claudia Kimie; NITRINI, Ricardo; CARAMELLI, Paulo; YASSUDA, Monica Sanches; MIOTTO, Eliane Correa; GRINBERG, Lea Tenenholz; RENTERIA, Miguel Arce; ALEGRIA, Margarita; STERN, Yaakov; RIVERA-MINDT, Monica; BERTOLA, LaissIntroduction: The Brazilian population in the United States (U.S.), a Latinx subgroup, is rapidly growing and aging but remains underrepresented in U.S. health research. In addition to group-specific genetic and environmental risks, Brazilian immigrants and their offspring in the U.S. likely have cumulative risks for health inequities. It is estimated that 71% of Brazilian immigrants in the U.S. are undocumented, which may limit healthcare access/utilization. Furthermore, mental health is reported as a health priority by Brazilian immigrants in the U.S., and there is a lack of research on Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (AD/ADRD) in this population.Methods: We reviewed the scientific literature using traditional (e.g., PubMed) sources and databases generated by U.S. and Brazilian governments, as well as international organizations, and press articles.Results: This perspective review lists recommendations for researchers, health providers, and policymakers to promote greater inclusion of U.S. Brazilian populations in health research and care. The review identifies research areas in need of attention to address health inequities and promote mental/brain health in Brazilian immigrants and their offspring living in the U.S. These research areas are: 1) epidemiological studies to map the prevalence and incidence of mental/brain health conditions; 2) research on aging and AD/ADRD risk factors among Brazilian populations in the U.S.; and 3) the need for greater representation of U.S-residing Brazilian population in other relevant research areas involving genetics, neuropathology, and clinical trials.Conclusions: The recommendation and research efforts proposed should help to pave the way for the development of community-engagement research and to promote mental/brain health education, improvement of mental/brain health and AD/ADRD services, and the development of culturally-informed intervention to the U.S.-residing Brazilian communities.
- Cognitive Effects of Intentional Weight Loss in Elderly Obese Individuals With Mild Cognitive Impairment(2016) HORIE, Nidia Celeste; SERRAO, Valeria T.; SIMON, Sharon Sanz; GASCON, Maria Rita Polo; SANTOS, Alessandra Xavier dos; ZAMBONE, Maria Aquimara; FREITAS, Marta Merenciana del Bigio de; CUNHA-NETO, Edecio; MARQUES, Emerson Leonildo; HALPERN, Alfredo; MELO, Maria Edna de; MANCINI, Marcio C.; CERCATO, CintiaContext: Obesity in midlife is a risk factor for dementia, but it is unknown if caloric restriction-induced weight loss could prevent cognitive decline and therefore dementia in elderly patients with cognitive impairment. Objective: To evaluate the cognitive effect of intentional weight loss in obese elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), considering the influence of age, apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype, physical activity, biochemical markers, and diet. Design: Single-center, prospective controlled trial. Setting: Academic medical center. Participants: Eighty obese patients with MCI, aged 60 or older (68.1 +/- 4.9 y, body mass index [BMI] 35.5 +/- 4.4 kg/m(2), 83.7% women, 26.3% APOE allele epsilon 4 carriers). Intervention: Random allocation to conventional medical care alone (n = 40) or together with nutritional counselling (n = 40) in group meetings aiming to promote weight loss through caloric restriction for 12 months. Outcome Measurements: clinical data, body composition, neuropsychological tests (main outcome), serum biomarkers, APOE genotype, physical performance, dietary recalls. Results: Seventy-five patients completed the follow-up. BMI, on average, decreased 1.7 +/- 1.8kg/m(2) (P = .021), and most of the cognitive tests improved, without difference between the groups. In analysis with linear generalized models, the BMI decrease was associated with improvements in verbal memory, verbal fluency, executive function, and global cognition, after adjustment for education, gender, physical activity, and baseline tests. This association was strongest in younger seniors (for memory and fluency) and in APOE allele epsilon 4 carriers (for executive function). Changes in homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance, C-reactive protein, leptin and intake of energy, carbohydrates, and fats were associated with improvement in cognitive tests. Conclusions: Intentional weight loss through diet was associated with cognitive improvement in patients with MCI.
- Mnemonic strategy training modulates functional connectivity at rest in mild cognitive impairment: Results from a randomized controlled trial(2020) SIMON, Sharon Sanz; HAMPSTEAD, Benjamin M.; NUCCI, Mariana P.; FERREIRA, Luiz Kobuti; DURAN, Fabio L. S.; FONSECA, Luciana M.; MARTIN, Maria da Graca M.; AVILA, Renata; PORTO, Fabio H. G.; BRUCKI, Sonia M. D.; MARTINS, Camila B.; TASCONE, Lyssandra S.; JR, Edson Amaro; BUSATTO, Geraldo F.; BOTTINO, Cassio M. C.Introduction: Mnemonic strategy training (MST) has been shown to improve cognitive performance and increase brain activation in those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, little is known regarding the effects of MST on functional connectivity (FC) at rest. The aim of the present study was to investigate the MST focused on face-name associations effect on resting-state FC in those with MCI Methods: Twenty-six amnestic MCI participants were randomized in MST (N = 14) and Education Program (active control; N = 12). Interventions occurred twice a week over two consecutive weeks (ie, four sessions). Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was collected at pre- and post-intervention. Regions of interest (ROIs) were selected based on areas that previously showed task-related activation changes after MST. Changes were examined through ROI-to-ROI analysis and significant results were corrected for multiple comparisons. Results: At post-intervention, only the MST group showed increased FC, whereas the control group showed decreased or no change in FC. After MST, there was an increased FC between the left middle temporal gyrus and right orbitofrontal cortex. In addition, a time-by-group interaction indicated that the MST group showed greater increased FC between the right inferior frontal gyrus and left brain regions, such as fusiform gyrus, temporal pole, and orbitofrontal cortex relative to controls. Discussion: MST enhanced FC in regions that are functionally relevant for the training; however, not in all ROIs investigated. Our findings suggest that MST-induced changes are reflected in task-specific conditions, as previously reported, but also in general innate connectivity. Our results both enhance knowledge about the mechanisms underlying MST effects and may provide neurophysiological evidence of training transfer.