SHARON SANZ SIMON
Projetos de Pesquisa
Unidades Organizacionais
LIM/21 - Laboratório de Neuroimagem em Psiquiatria, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina
9 resultados
Resultados de Busca
Agora exibindo 1 - 9 de 9
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Increasing Working Memory Load Reduces Processing of Cross-Modal Task-Irrelevant Stimuli Even after Controlling for Task Difficulty and Executive Capacity(2016) SIMON, Sharon S.; TUSCH, Erich S.; HOLCOMB, Phillip J.; DAFFNER, Kirk R.The classic account of the load theory (LT) of attention suggests that increasing cognitive load leads to greater processing of task-irrelevant stimuli due to competition for limited executive resource that reduces the ability to actively maintain current processing priorities. Studies testing this hypothesis have yielded widely divergent outcomes. The inconsistent results may, in part, be related to variability in executive capacity (EC) and task difficulty across subjects in different studies. Here, we used a cross-modal paradigm to investigate whether augmented working memory (WM) load leads to increased early distracter processing, and controlled for the potential confounders of EC and task difficulty. Twenty-three young subjects were engaged in a primary visual WM task, under high and low load conditions, while instructed to ignore irrelevant auditory stimuli. Demands of the high load condition were individually titrated to make task difficulty comparable across subjects with differing EC. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were used to measure neural activity in response to stimuli presented in both the task relevant modality (visual) and task-irrelevant modality (auditory). Behavioral results indicate that the load manipulation and titration procedure of the primary visual task were successful. ERPs demonstrated that in response to visual target stimuli, there was a load-related increase in the posterior slow wave, an index of sustained attention and effort. Importantly, under high load, there was a decrease of the auditory N1 in response to distracters, a marker of early auditory processing. These results suggest that increased WM load is associated with enhanced attentional engagement and protection from distraction in a cross-modal setting, even after controlling for task difficulty and EC. Our findings challenge the classic LT and offer support for alternative models.
- Resting state functional connectivity and neural correlates of face-name encoding in patients with ischemic vascular lesions with and without the involvement of the left inferior frontal gyrus(2019) BATISTA, Alana X.; BAZAN, Paulo R.; CONFORTO, Adriana B.; MARTINS, Maria da Graca M.; HOSHINO, Mauricio; SIMON, Sharon S.; HAMPSTEAD, Benjamin; FIGUEIREDO, Eberual G.; CASTRO, Marcia P.; MICHELAN, Debora; AMARO JR., Edson; MIOTTO, Eliane C.Face-name association is a relevant ability for social interactions and involves the ventral and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices, particularly in the left hemisphere, bilateral hippocampal, fusiform gyrus and occipital regions. Previous studies demonstrated the primary role of the hippocampus for this ability in healthy subjects. However, no study has examined the participation of the left inferior frontal area, specially the left inferior frontal gyrus (LIFG) in patients with ischemic vascular lesions. In the present study we addressed this issue and investigated the neural correlates and resting state functional connectivity of face-name memory encoding in ischemic patients with LIFG or without lesions in the left IFG (nLIFG) and healthy controls (HC) using fMRI. The main results showed that the nLIFG group demonstrated efficient compensation related to encoding and performance on face-name learning and recognition memory task, in addition to similar brain areas activated during task performance compared to healthy controls. Some of these areas were more activated in nLIFG group, indicating a compensation mechanism. In contrast, the LIFG group showed worse behavior performance, and no signs of an efficient compensation mechanism. Functional connectivity analysis suggested that the left IFG region seems to be important for maintaining the connectivity of the right fusiform gyrus or, perhaps, lesion in this area is associated to maladaptive reorganization. Our findings highlight the relevant role of the left IFG in face-name learning and encoding, possibly as a primary region in addition to the bilateral hippocampal formation and fusiform gyrus.