Articles publicats en revistes (Cognició, Desenvolupament i Psicologia de l'Educació)

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Presentation format influences the strength of causal illusions
(Springer Nature, 2025-04-29) Barreiro, Ainoa; Del Carpio, Anadaniela; Rodríguez-Ferreiro, Javier; Barberia, Itxaso
Causal illusions refer to the erroneous perception of causal connections between noncontingent variables. Previous research has demonstrated that the format in which contingency information is displayed can impact causal judgments. On this basis, we examined the effect of graphical displays on the strength of causal illusions and reasoning strategies across three experiments. Study 1 revealed that frequency trees and contingency tables involving icons lead to weaker causal illusions than trial-by-trial presentations or contingency tables with numbers. An assessment of the participants’ open responses in Study 2 indicated that stronger causal illusions were associated with reports of less sophisticated reasoning strategies. In Study 3, we directly compared frequency trees and contingency table visualizations. In addition to corroborating previous observations, we found that advanced strategies were more likely when the information was presented in frequency trees. Overall, our findings suggest that the efficacy of frequency trees in reducing causal illusions may be due to their ability to make sophisticated strategies more accessible.
A proposal for teaching how to formulate and answer critical questions in order to understand argumentative texts
(Taylor & Francis, 2025-12) Pérez, Rocío; Castells Gómez, Núria; Minguela, Marta
[eng] The access to countless sources and diverse information on the same subject emphasizes the need for sound criteria to compare, analyse and critically assess the vast amount of data available. This article presents an educational programme aimed to teach students how to formulate and use critical questions to assess conflicting information from multiple argumentative news. The programme comprised five sessions and was implemented with third-year secondary school students in their science class. After participating in this programme, students were able to elaborate and to answer critical questions about texts and to identify the quality of the evidence the texts provide. Students valued the educational experience positively, especially the guides they used.
El uso del Diseño Universal para el Aprendizaje por parte del profesorado universitario: un estudio exploratorio
(2024-06-10) Mumbardó Adam, Cristina; Sala Bars, Ingrid; Adam Alcocer, Ana Luisa; Ahufinger, Nadia; Andrés Gárriz, Clara
El Diseño Universal para el Aprendizaje (DUA) es un marco para facilitar la inclusión y un mayor acceso al currículo de educación general para todo alumnado. Cada vez son más los centros educativos que integran este marco en la educación obligatoria pero su implementación en el ámbito universitario es aún muy escasa. Ante el incremento de la incorporación de estudiantado con necesidades específicas de apoyo educativo en el ámbito universitario ha aumentado el interés para incorporar este marco en el ámbito universitario. Los objetivos del presente estudio fueron conocer las concepciones que tiene el profesorado universitario sobre el DUA, las estrategias y metodologías docentes usadas y si estas se alineaban con el DUA y sus principios. Se entrevistaron a 5 profesoras la asignatura troncal de los grados de Educación infantil y primaria donde se imparten contenidos sobre el DUA. Se aplicó un análisis temático, desde un enfoque fenomenológico. Los resultados mostraron que las profesoras reconocieron las principales aportaciones y retos del DUA, aunque no refirieron a su aporte a nivel tecnológico. Se identificaron algunos indicadores alineados y no alineados con el DUA correspondientes a estrategias de planificación, implementación y evaluación usadas en la asignatura. Así, este estudio evidencia la necesidad de impulsar políticas universitarias que fomenten estas prácticas y que futuras líneas de investigación ahonden en cómo superar los obstáculos para la implementación del DUA en la universidad.
What Is Considered Healthy Eating? An Exploratory Study among College Students of Nutrition and Food Science
(MDPI, 2024-04-30) Gaspar, Maria Clara de Moraes Prata, 1985-; Soar, Claudia; Aguilera, María del Carmen; Gómez, María Clara; Celorio Sardà, Ricard; Comas Basté, Oriol; Vidal Carou, Ma. Carmen
In modern industrialized societies, the focus on healthy eating has increased significantly across multiple sectors, including the media, public policy, expert opinion, and public awareness. The aim of this research was to explore the perceptions of healthy eating and the barriers to adopting a healthy diet among undergraduate students in Human Nutrition and Dietetics (HND) and Food Science and Technology (FST) degrees in Spain. An exploratory and descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a qualitative and quantitative methodology and convenience sampling. Two focus groups and a questionnaire were utilized (300 participants from all academic years completed the survey). Differences in definitions of healthy eating and perceived barriers were found between genders and students at different stages of training (p < 0.05). In their understanding of healthy eating, the students placed importance on balance, variety, moderation, and individual factors. Although students considered it easy to follow a healthy diet, family’s eating habits, time availability, and emotional states were found to be the main barriers to the implementation of healthy practices. The obtained data supports the need to critically address perceptions of healthy eating throughout the training of nutrition and food science professionals. The insights obtained on the perceived barriers highlight the importance of considering both individual and environmental factors.
Evaluando información contradictoria: efectividad de un programa para el desarrollo del pensamiento crítico en adolescentes
(Servicio de Publicaciones, Universidad de Murcia, 2025-01-07) Pérez Garcia-Madrid, Rocío; Castells Gómez, Núria; Minguela, Marta
Las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación ponen a nuestro alcance múltiples fuentes e informaciones diversas sobre un mismo tema, lo que dificulta la tarea de valorarlas y extraer conclusiones al respecto. En este artículo se presentan los resultados de la aplicación de un programa de intervención dirigido a promover el pensamiento crítico, centrado en enseñar al alumnado a elaborar preguntas críticas, capacitándoles para seleccionar y valorar correctamente las evidencias presentes en los textos. El estudio se realizó con cuatro grupos de 3º de ESO (2 grupos control y 2 grupos de intervención) en el área de ciencias naturales. Los resultados muestran una mayor capacidad para formular preguntas críticas sobre los textos y una mayor habilidad para seleccionar y valorar correctamente las evidencias de los textos por parte del alumnado de los grupos de intervención frente al de los grupos control tras la aplicación del programa. Estos resultados avalan la posibilidad de enseñar a los y las estudiantes a valorar la credibilidad de las informaciones que leen, lo que resulta prioritario en el contexto actual para ayudarles a desarrollar el pensamiento crítico ante las múltiples informaciones contradictorias a su alcance.
Inclusive education in Portugal: Exploring sentiments, concerns and attitudes of teachers
(2024-07) Carvalho, Marisa; Simó-Pinatella, D.; Azevedo, Helena; Adam Alcocer, Ana Luisa
This study examines Portuguese teachers' attitudes towards inclusive education and how teachers' self-efficacy towards inclusion and other sociodemographic and professional variables relate and predict teachers' attitudes. In total, 539 Portuguese teachers participated. Sentiments, Attitudes and Concerns about Inclusive Education scale, Teacher Efficacy for Inclusive Practices scale and a sociodemographic questionnaire were used to collect data. The results indicate that teachers' attitudes towards inclusion were generally positive. However, teachers-related variables (e.g., teachers' self-efficacy, teaching experience, previous training, and knowledge about educational laws and policies) influence teachers' attitudes in a complex and dynamic way. Implications for policies, practices and research are presented.
Factores promotores de la implicación escolar del alumnado y su relación con las estrategias de personalización del aprendizaje
(Universidad de Navarra, 2026-02-02) Oller, Judith; Fauré Niñoles, Jaime
La implicación del alumnado en las actividades escolares es un factor crucial para su éxito académico. Sin embargo, todavía existen dudas sobre qué factores personales y contextuales influyen en dicha implicación. Implementamos un cuestionario ad hoc que administramos a 2737 estudiantes procedentes de 14 centros educativos de Cataluña, diversos en función de su titularidad, la etapa y el nivel socioeconómico, y analizamos los datos mediante análisis descriptivo y pruebas estadísticas (ANOVA, T de Student, U de Mann-Whitney y Kruskal-Wallis). Los resultados muestran que los niveles de implicación escolar dependen del género, la edad y otras variables personales y contextuales, y que las estrategias de personalización son clave. Las conclusiones ofrecen orientaciones para que los docentes fomenten aprendizajes con mayor valor y sentido personal.
The Relationship Between Emotion Regulation and Perceptions of Body Image, Health, and Eating in Food Science College Students
(MDPI, 2025-11-01) Aguilera, María del Carmen; Soar, Claudia; Celorio Sardà, Ricard; Comas Basté, Oriol; Vidal Carou, Ma. Carmen; Gaspar, Maria Clara de Moraes Prata, 1985-
Emotional regulation plays a central role in shaping eating behaviors and body image, though few studies have examined this relationship in students of food sciences. A total of 297 undergraduates from Human Nutrition and Dietetics and Food Science and Technology completed surveys on health, body image, and eating behaviors, along with the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) identified four perception dimensions. Pearson correlations and multiple linear regression assessed their relationships with emotional regulation. EFA revealed four factors: (1) health perception, (2) body image and related emotions, (3) weight and diet control, and (4) individual responsibility for diet. No differences emerged by sex or degree. Correlations indicated that three factors were significantly associated with DERS scores, particularly body image and emotions. Multiple regression showed that body image and emotions and weight and diet control significantly predicted emotional regulation, while health perception and individual responsibility were not significant. These findings highlight the role of emotional regulation in shaping perceptions of health and eating, underscoring its relevance in the education of future food professionals. Training food professionals should integrate emotional competencies to support healthier self-perceptions and practices
Sex and APOE ε2 Interactive Effects on the Longitudinal Change in Cognition in a Population-Based Cohort of Older Adults with Vascular Risk Factors
(MDPI, 2025-11-01) Lamonja-Vicente, Noemí; Dacosta-Aguayo, Rosalia; López-Olóriz, Jorge; Prades-Senovilla, Laia; Soriano Raya, Juan José; Clemente, Immaculada; Miralbell Blanch, Júlia; Barrios Cerrejón, M. Teresa; López Cancio, Elena; Cáceres, Cynthia; Millán, Mónica; Torán, Pere; Pera, Guillem; Carmona-Cervelló, Meritxell; Herrero, Cecilia; Montero Alía, Pilar; Palau-Antoja, Maria; Hernández Pérez, María; Canento, Tamara; Gonzalez Fuxa, Ana; Mataró Serrat, Maria; Via i García, Marc
Cognitive aging trajectories differ widely across individuals, and genetic factors such as APOE and BDNF polymorphisms may contribute to this variability. While APOE ε4 has been widely studied, the influence of APOE ε2, particularly in interaction with sex, remains underexplored. This study aims to examine the longitudinal trajectory of APOE ε2 individuals on cognitive performance, and their interactions with sex, age, and BDNF Val66Met polymorphism, in a population-based cohort of older adults with vascular risk. We analyzed data from 386 participants (mean age: 71.8) from the Barcelona-AsIA Neuropsychology Study, followed over a 7-year period. Verbal memory, verbal fluency, and visuospatial domains were assessed. Linear regression models tested associations between cognitive change and genotypes, controlling for age, sex, education, depression, and vascular risk. Interaction terms and permutation testing were applied. Regression to the mean (RTM) effects were assessed. BDNF showed no significant associations with cognitive performance. RTM effects were evident across subgroups, particularly among ε2 carriers, suggesting this phenomenon partly explains the divergent results over time. APOE ε2 does not confer a consistent protective effect on cognition over time. Our results highlight that APOE ε2 may be detrimental to verbal memory in aging males.
Effects of debunking interventions on endorsement of alternative medicine: a randomized controlled experiment in Peru
(Nature Publishing Group, 2026-02-04) Fasce, Angelo; Rosales Trabuco, José; Barberia, Itxaso; Pinedo Yzaguirre, Elvis; Espinoza Nuñez, Juan Manuel; Ortiz Treviños, Wilson Marcos; Pizarro Moncada, Christian David; Reyes-Bossio, Mario; Carbajal León, Carlos; Rodríguez-Ferreiro, Javier
Debunking interventions to tackle misconceptions related to scientific issues have gained momentum,especially in the context of health care. In this randomized controlled experiment, we assessed theeffectiveness of tailored (i.e., contrarian information addressing participants’ specific motives withan affirmation of their psychological profile) and non-tailored (i.e., general contrarian informationregardless of participants’ psychological profile) debunking interventions in a sample of 167 Peruvianparticipants with positive attitudes toward egg cleanse, a popular local alternative medicinetreatment. Our debunking interventions did not significantly correct attitudinal variables related toegg cleanse, such as belief in effectiveness, future use, and preference over conventional medicine.However, exploratory analyses showed significant reductions in endorsement of usage reasons withinboth the tailored debunk (d = 0.50) and non-tailored debunk (d = 0.62) groups. Moreover, a comparisonbetween the two debunking groups indicated that participants who received a tailored debunk weremore satisfied with the interaction with the physician than those who received a non-tailored debunk(d = 0.73). These results suggest that debunking interventions on misinformed health beliefs could havean impact also in the Peruvian cultural context and for alternative medicine, even though more directattitudinal variables are particularly resistant to change. Strengths and weaknesses of tailored andnon-tailored approaches to health misinformation, as well as future research pathways to shed light onthe impact and pitfalls of debunking interventions, are discussed.
Scene variability biases our decisions, but not our perceptual estimates
(American Psychological Association, 2022-10-10) Malla, Cristina de la; López-Moliner, Joan
We constantly perform tasks within complex and dynamic environments. Some of these tasks (e.g., road crossing or playing team sports) require predicting future states of the world to decide which action to unfold and when to do so. However, it remains largely unexplored how the variability in a scene influences perceptual decision-making. Here we examine how increasing the scene variability influences our ability to make perceptual judgements and decisions by using a go/no-go decision task in a dynamic scenario mimicking a road-crossing situation with different levels of stimuli variability. Parameters of psychometric functions revealed that differences in variability do not influence judgements about the objects’ time-to-contact, or the difficulty in making such judgements. Nevertheless, increases in the scene variability influence the go/no-go decisions leading people to adopt more conservative criteria. How much the criterion changes across levels of variability is well accounted for by the actual amount of variance in the scene, but the overall criterion is tightly linked to the precision or reliability with which one can estimate perceptual information about the objects’ arrival time. These results suggest that the reliability on our own perceptual estimates modulate our criterion when completing perceptual decision-making tasks under different scene variabilities.
Vitamin D in relation to cognitive impairment, cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, and brain volumes
(Gerontological Society of America, 2014-09) Hooshmand, Babak; Lökk, Johan; Solomon, Alina; Mangialasche, Francesca; Miralbell Blanch, Júlia; Spulber, Gabriela; Annerbo, Sylvia; Andreasen, Niels; Winblad, Bengt; Cedazo-Mínguez, Ángel; Wahlund, Lars-Olof; Kivipelto, Miia
Background: Low vitamin D status is associated with poorer cognitive function in older adults, but little is known about the potential impact on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers and brain volumes. The objective of this study was to examine the relations between plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and cognitive impairment, CSF biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and structural brain tissue volumes. Methods: A total of 75 patients (29 with subjective cognitive impairment, 28 with mild cognitive impairment, 18 with AD) referred to the Memory Clinic at Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden were recruited. Plasma 25(OH)D, CSF levels of amyloid β (Aβ1–42), total-tau, and phosphorylated tau, and brain tissue volumes have been measured. Results: After adjustment for several potential confounders, the odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for cognitive impairment were as follows: 0.969 (0.948–0.990) per increase of 1 nmol/L of 25(OH)D and 4.19 (1.30–13.52) for 24(OH)D values less than 50 nmol/L compared with values greater than or equal to 50 nmol/L. Adjusting for CSF Aβ1–42 attenuated the 25(OH)D-cognition link. In a multiple linear regression analysis, higher 25(OH)D levels were related to higher concentrations of CSF Aβ1–42 and greater brain volumes (eg, white matter, structures belonging to medial temporal lobe). The associations between 25(OH)D and tau variables were not significant. Conclusions: This study suggests that vitamin D may be associated with cognitive status, CSF Aβ1–42 levels, and brain tissue volumes.
Coronary heart disease and cortical thickness, gray matter and white matter lesion volumes on MRI
(Public Library of Science (PLoS), 2014-10-10) Vuorinen, Miika; Damangir, Soheil; Niskanen, Eini; Miralbell Blanch, Júlia; Rusanen, Minna; Spulber, Gabriela; Soininen, Hilkka; Kivipelto, Miia; Solomon, Alina
Coronary heart disease (CHD) has been linked with cognitive decline and dementia in several studies. CHD is strongly associated with blood pressure, but it is not clear how blood pressure levels or changes in blood pressure over time affect the relation between CHD and dementia-related pathology. The aim of this study was to investigate relations between CHD and cortical thickness, gray matter volume and white matter lesion (WML) volume on MRI, considering CHD duration and blood pressure levels from midlife to three decades later. The study population included 69 elderly at risk of dementia who participated in the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging and Dementia (CAIDE) study. CAIDE participants were examined in midlife, re-examined 21 years later, and then after additionally 7 years (in total up to 30 years follow-up). MRIs from the second re-examination were used to calculate cortical thickness, gray matter and WML volume. CHD diagnoses were obtained from the Finnish Hospital Discharge Register. Linear regression analyses were adjusted for age, sex, follow-up time and scanner type, and additionally total intracranial volume in GM volume analyses. Adding diabetes, cholesterol or smoking to the models did not influence the results. CHD was associated with lower thickness in multiple regions, and lower total gray matter volume, particularly in people with longer disease duration (>10 years). Associations between CHD, cortical thickness and gray matter volume were strongest in people with CHD and hypertension in midlife, and those with CHD and declining blood pressure after midlife. No association was found between CHD and WML volumes. Based on these results, long-term CHD seems to have detrimental effects on brain gray matter tissue, and these effects are influenced by blood pressure levels and their changes over time.
Detección precoz del trastorno del espectro autista durante el primer año de vida en la consulta pediátrica
(Sociedad Española de Pediatría Extrahospitalaria y Atención Primaria, 2018-01-01) Busquets, Lourdes; Miralbell Blanch, Júlia; Muñoz, P.; Muriel, Noelia; Español, N.; Viloca, Llúcia; Mestres, Marina
Las señales de alarma del Trastorno del Espectro Autista (TEA) pueden detectarse desde el primer año de vida. Se observan en el niño, la familia y la relación entre ambos. La consulta pediátrica es un contexto natural idóneo para la observación de dichas señales y para recoger las preocupaciones de la familia. En el presente artículo, se describen las principales señales de alarma en este período vital, se resume el algoritmo para la detección precoz en el marco de las visitas de seguimiento pediátrico rutinarias y se detallan las herramientas estandarizadas de cribado más recomendadas. La identificación de los niños de riesgo facilitará su derivación a los centros de atención temprana para una intervención precoz.
Implementation and evaluation in low intensity intervention programs from the CONNECT perspective of mixed methods: Application in a case of an autistic child
(Frontiers Media, 2022-10-13) Arias Pujol, Eulàlia; Mestres, Marina; Miralbell Blanch, Júlia; Bachs, Natalia; Anguera Argilaga, María Teresa
There has been a comprehensive development over the last few years of low intensity intervention programs that are implemented within a user context and that are made up of everyday life activities, and it has been necessary to adapt the necessary methodological channels in order to guarantee an adequate resolution pathway. The mixed method perspective offers a suitable framework, and observational methodology in itself considered mixed method is appropriate for studying the implementation and evaluation of low intensity intervention programs, allowing the development of the QUAL- QUAN-QUAL stages that correspond to the connect integration pathway of mixed methods. In this work it was applied to a single case, in a low intensity intervention, retrieving valuable information obtained, but systematizing it and applying quantitizing to the qualitative data that was treated quantitatively in a rigorous manner. The aim was to analyze the psychotherapist-patient interaction in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, in which we sought to identify which of the therapists techniques stimulated actions of reciprocal social interaction in the child, and which techniques inhibited non reciprocal social interactions. The observational design was nomothetic, follow-up, and multidimensional. The patient was a 4-year-old boy with a diagnosis of severe autism spectrum disorder. We used an ad hoc observation instrument combining a eld format and a category system. Interobserver agreement was analyzed quantitatively by Cohens kappa using the free QSEQ5 software program. Polar coordinate analysis was carried out using the free program HOISAN 2.0. Polar coordinate analysis allows us to obtain an inter-relational map of the connections detected between focal behavior established in each case and the different categories. The results provide objective evidence backed up by the application of polar-coordinate-based data analysis that within a framework of psychoanalytic psychotherapy, the techniques of verbalization and vocalization signicantly activate reciprocal social interaction behaviors and inhibit non-social reciprocal behaviors in a child with severe autism spectrum disorder with no language. On the other hand, direct gaze promotes the childs withdrawal. The results are of key importance as they show the therapist behaviors most useful for promoting social interaction in a child with severe autism.
Structural brain changes and cognition in relation to markers of vascular dysfunction
(Elsevier B.V., 2012-05) Miralbell Blanch, Júlia; Soriano Raya, Juan José; Spulber, Gabriela; López Cancio, Elena; Arenillas, Juan Francisco; Bargalló Alabart, Núria; Galán, Amparo; Barrios Cerrejón, M. Teresa; Cáceres, Cynthia; Alzamora, María Teresa; Pera, Guillem; Kivipelto, Miia; Wahlund, Lars-Olof; Dávalos, Antoni; Mataró Serrat, Maria
The aim was to investigate the relationship between blood markers of vascular dysfunction with brain microstructural changes and cognition. Eighty-six participants from the Barcelona-Asymptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerosis (AsIA) neuropsychology study were included. Subjects were 50–65 years old, free from dementia and without history of vascular disease. We assessed correlations of blood levels of inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein [CRP] and resistin) and fibrinolysis inhibitors (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 [PAI-1] and A-lipoprotein (Lp (a)) with fractional anisotropy (FA) measurements of diffusion tensor images (DTI), regional gray matter (GM) volumes and performance in several cognitive domains. Increasing levels of C-reactive protein and PAI-1 levels were associated with white matter (WM) integrity loss in corticosubcortical pathways and association fibers of frontal and temporal lobes, independently of age, sex and vascular risk factors. PAI-1 was also related to lower speed and visuomotor/coordination. None of the biomarkers were related to gray matter volume changes. Our findings suggest that inflammation and dysregulation of the fibrynolitic system may be involved in the pathological mechanisms underlying the WM damage seen in cerebrovascular disease and subsequent cognitive impairment.
Cognitive patterns in relation to biomarkers of cerebrovascular disease and vascular risk factors
(Karger, 2013-10) Miralbell Blanch, Júlia; López Cancio, Elena; López-Olóriz, Jorge; Arenillas, Juan Francisco; Barrios Cerrejón, M. Teresa; Soriano Raya, Juan José; Galán, Amparo; Cáceres, Cynthia; Alzamora, María Teresa; Pera, Guillem; Toran, Pere; Dávalos, Antoni; Mataró Serrat, Maria
Background: Risk factors for vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) are the same as traditional risk factors for cerebrovascular disease (CVD). Early identification of subjects at higher risk of VCI is important for the development of effective preventive strategies. In addition to traditional vascular risk factors (VRF), circulating biomarkers have emerged as potential tools for early diagnoses, as they could provide in vivo measures of the underlying pathophysiology. While VRF have been consistently linked to a VCI profile (i.e., deficits in executive functions and processing speed), the cognitive correlates of CVD biomarkers remain unclear. In this population-based study, the aim was to study and compare cognitive patterns in relation to VRF and circulating biomarkers of CVD. Methods: The Barcelona-AsIA Neuropsychology Study included 747 subjects older than 50, without a prior history of stroke or coronary disease and with a moderate to high vascular risk (mean age, 66 years; 34.1% women). Three cognitive domains were derived from factoral analysis: visuospatial skills/speed, verbal memory and verbal fluency. Multiple linear regression was used to assess relationships between cognitive performance (multiple domains) and a panel of circulating biomarkers, including indicators of inflammation, C-reactive protein (CRP) and resistin, endothelial dysfunction, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), thrombosis, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), as well as traditional VRF, metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance index). Analyses were adjusted for age, gender, years of education and depressive symptoms. Results: Traditional VRF were related to lower performance in verbal fluency, insulin resistance accounted for lower performance in visuospatial skills/speed and the metabolic syndrome predicted lower performance in both cognitive domains. From the biomarkers of CVD, CRP was negatively related to verbal fluency performance and increasing ADMA levels were associated with lower performance in verbal memory. Resistin and PAI-1 did not relate to cognitive function performance. Conclusion: Vascular risk factors, and markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction predicted lower performance in several cognitive domains. Specifically, cognitive functions associated with CRP are typically affected in VCI and overlap those related to VRF. ADMA indicated a dissociation in the cognitive profile involving verbal memory. These findings suggest that inflammation and endothelial dysfunction might play a role in the predementia cognitive impairment stages.
Tract-specific fractional anisotropy predicts cognitive outcome in a community sample of middle-aged participants with white matter lesions
(International Society for Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism, 2014-05) Soriano Raya, Juan José; Miralbell Blanch, Júlia; López Cancio, Elena; Bargalló Alabart, Núria; Arenillas, Juan Francisco; Barrios Cerrejón, M. Teresa; Cáceres, Cynthia; Toran, Pere; Alzamora, María Teresa; Dávalos, Antoni; Mataró Serrat, Maria
Cerebral white matter lesions (WMLs) have been consistently related to cognitive dysfunction but the role of white matter (WM) damage in cognitive impairment is not fully determined. Diffusion tensor imaging is a promising tool to explain impaired cognition related to WMLs. We investigated the separate association of high-grade periventricular hyperintensities (PVHs) and deep white matter hyperintensities (DWMHs) with fractional anisotropy (FA) in middle-aged individuals. We also assessed the predictive value to cognition of FA within specific WM tracts associated with high-grade WMLs. One hundred participants from the Barcelona-AsIA Neuropsychology Study were divided into groups based on low- and high-grade WMLs. Voxel-by-voxel FA were compared between groups, with separate analyses for high-grade PVHs and DWMHs. The mean FA within areas showing differences between groups was extracted in each tract for linear regression analyses. Participants with high-grade PVHs and participants with high-grade DWMHs showed lower FA in different areas of specific tracts. Areas showing decreased FA in high-grade DWMHs predicted lower cognition, whereas areas with decreased FA in high-grade PVHs did not. The predictive value to cognition of specific WM tracts supports the involvement of cortico-subcortical circuits in cognitive deficits only in DWMHs.
Understanding social cognition in children with cerebral palsy: exploring the relationship with executive functions and the intervention outcomes in a randomized controlled trial
(Springer Verlag, 2024-09-01) García-Galant, María; Blasco, Montse; Moral‑Salicrú, Paula; Soldevilla, Jorge; Ballester Plané, Júlia; Laporta-Hoyos, Olga; Caldú i Ferrús, Xavier; Miralbell Blanch, Júlia; Alonso Curcó, Xènia; Toro Tamargo, Esther; Meléndez Plumed, Mar; Gimeno, Francisca; Leiva Ureña, David; Boyd, Roslyn; Pueyo Benito, Roser
Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) experience Social Cognition (SC) difficulties, which could be related to executive functioning. While motor interventions are common, there is limited knowledge about the impact of cognitive interventions on SC in this population. This study examined the relationship between SC and Executive Function (EF) skills and the effectiveness of an EF intervention that included some SC tasks for improving SC in children with CP. SC and EF domains were assessed in 60 participants with CP (30 females; 8–12 years). The relationship between SC and EF baseline scores was analyzed by bivariate correlations and contingency tables. Participants were matched by age, sex, motor ability, and intelligence quotient and randomized into intervention or control groups. The intervention group underwent a 12-week home-based computerized EF intervention. Analysis of covariance was used to examine differences in SC components between groups at post-intervention and 9 months after. Significant positive correlations were found between the SC and EF scores. The frequencies of impaired and average scores in SC were distributed similarly to the impaired and average scores in EFs. The intervention group showed significant improvements in Affect Recognition performance post-intervention, which were maintained at the follow-up assessment, with a moderate effect size. Long-term improvements in Theory of Mind were observed 9 months after. Conclusions: This study highlights the association between SC and EFs. A home-based computerized cognitive intervention program improves SC in children with CP. Including SC tasks in EF interventions may lead to positive short- and long-term effects for children with CP.
Collaboration between professionals and mothers to enhance oral communication competence in bilingual children with language disorders in inclusive contexts
(Frontiers Media, 2025-12-23) González, Diana Patricia; Gràcia Garcia, Marta; Adam Alcocer, Ana Luisa
Introduction: Research on the effectiveness of family interventions is essential for enhancing the oral communicative competence of children with developmental language disorders. This study examined mother–child interactions in bilingual Spanish–English families to identify current communication strategies and explore additional ways to foster oral communicative competence development. Methods: Participants included 10 mothers and their bilingual children (ages 4–6 years) with language disorders, along with a school-based speech-language pathologist from a public school in New York. The Scale for the Assessment of Oral Language Teaching in Family Contexts was used to evaluate mother–child interactions. A collaborative intervention consisting of four school-based workshops was implemented to foster mothers’ awareness of their communicative practices and support them in strengthening their interactions with their children. Results: During the workshops, mothers engaged in discussions with the school-based speech-language pathologist, reflecting on and refining their communication strategies. By the end of the intervention, some mother–child dyads showed noticeable improvements in the quality of their interactions. Discussion: The mothers’ evaluations highlight their active engagement in the collaborative process and their commitment to improving communication with their children to support oral communicative competence development.

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