This systematic review examines the relationship between social cognition (SC) and social behavior in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Social behavioral changes impact both patients and caregivers, contributing to increased caregiver burden and institutionalization risks. SC impairments are common in different neurodegenerative diseases and are assumed to underlie social behavioral changes. However, it has not been systematically investigated how SC and social behavior relate to each other, over all neurodegenerative patient groups. A systematic search was performed in the PubMed and PsycINFO databases from inception and extraction up to September 5th, 2023. Analyzing 21 studies, including assessment of the relationship between SC and social behavior with performance-based measures for SC and proxy ratings of social behavior, little evidence was found for a consistent association between SC impairments and social behavior. Weak associations were identified between better emotion recognition and fewer behavioral symptoms r = -.23 CI [-0.42, -0.02] and better emotion recognition and less apathy symptoms r = -.24 CI [-0.46, 0.01]. Disinhibition was more frequently associated with SC aspects than agitation or irritability. Furthermore, affective theory of mind (ToM) was more often associated with social behavior than cognitive ToM. However, the heterogeneity between studies with regard to what aspects of SC and social behavior were measured and with what instruments, and the low number of studies, limit definitive conclusions. This review underscores the need for future research employing standardized, reliable, and ecologically valid measures to more accurately assess the assumed association between SC and social behavior in neurodegenerative diseases.
A significant body of research sought to understand the mechanisms underlying memory formation and retrieval. Even when focusing exclusively on episodic memory, several subcategories emerge, such as explicit, implicit, and autobiographical memory. In this study, we utilized Activation Likelihood Estimation (ALE) to perform an fMRI meta-analysis to identify the neural bases of incidental memory. Results showed a network involving the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), the precuneus, and the inferior occipital gyrus. When focusing exclusively on the encoding phase of incidental memory tasks, the results revealed a specific cluster in the IFG, confirming the findings from the primary meta-analysis. To further investigate the functional connectivity of this key node in incidental memory, we conducted a Meta-Analytic Connectivity Modelling (MACM) analysis on the identified cluster, highlighting a network of activation overlapping with the salience and, partially, with the frontoparietal control network. These findings suggest that the inferior frontal gyrus has a key role in the incidental encoding of episodic information, either via its involvement in verbal processing or driving attentive processing of potentially salient stimuli.
Systematically examine research reporting on the relationship between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and recovery outcomes following sport-related concussion (SRC). A literature search was conducted for articles between January 2019 and December 2024 using: PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Search terms included ADHD, concussion, and recovery. Eligible studies investigated recovery outcomes including post-concussion symptoms, return-to-learn (RTL), and return-to-play (RTP). Nineteen met inclusion criteria. The studies included 32,554 participants (Mage=16.27; SD = 2.44), of which 2,815 (8.65
This PRISMA‑guided systematic review synthesized evidence on the psychometric properties of immersive head‑mounted display (HMD) virtual reality (VR) tools developed for the ecological assessment of cognition across different developmental stages. The review targeted studies evaluating attention, inhibitory control, memory, and executive functions; published between January 1, 2021, and March 13, 2025, across PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science. Twenty‑one studies met the inclusion criteria. Convergent validity emerged as the most frequently reported property, appearing in 14 studies (67
Non-fatal strangulation (NFS) is a severe form of Intimate partner violence (IPV) that can result in acquired brain injuries (ABI), yet this link is frequently overlooked. Misdiagnosis and limited awareness contribute to long-term physical and mental health complications. Evidence-based protocols for identifying and managing non-fatal strangulation-acquired brain injury (NFS-ABI) are lacking, which prevents the delivery of standardised care. Long-term outcomes remain understudied. To synthesise current evidence on the neurological and psychological sequelae of (NFS- ABI), and to identify implications for clinical practice and policy. An integrative review. A comprehensive search of eight databases was conducted. Twenty-six peer-reviewed articles met the inclusion criteria, exploring IPV-NFS and its potential link to ABI, associated neurological and psychological deficits, and implications for healthcare professionals. Findings were synthesised to inform policy and improve clinical management of NFS-ABI. Evidence indicates that NFS-ABI can lead to significant cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments. However, screening and management strategies remain inconsistent. The review highlights the urgent need for validated screening tools and clinical guidelines to ensure timely identification and intervention for survivors. Healthcare professionals require training and standardised assessment tools and protocols to recognise and manage NFS-ABI effectively. Improved detection and treatment can reduce chronic morbidity and enhance outcomes for NFS-ABI survivors. This review informs policy development and clinical practice, emphasising the importance of integrating NFS-ABI screening into health care pathways. This review contains no patient or public contribution since it was examining the neurological and psychological sequelae of (NFS- ABI), and to identify implications for clinical practice.
This meta-analysis aimed to robustly estimate mean differences in oral language skills between children and adolescents with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and the general population, and to examine potential moderators contributing to variability in these group differences. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, PubMed, and ProQuest on March 31, 2025, yielding 2,531 records. Among them, 44 studies met inclusion criteria, comprising 2,479 individuals with NF1 (45.10
The purpose of this review was to provide a systematic and quantitative summary of recent literature relating to cognitive outcomes following paediatric mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Variable findings and diverse methodologies have thus far made it difficult to meaningfully integrate the extant literature. In this context, there is a need to examine the factors that define heterogeneity in this population and to critically evaluate the methodologies from which variable outcomes are derived. Studies identified in this review (PROSPERO, identification number CRD42015030098) were obtained through systematic searches of PubMed, PsycInfo and Scopus. Inclusion criteria specified that studies were to report on cognitive functioning using validated neuropsychological measures, with children aged 8–18 years of age and in a case–control design protocol. In this review, 62 observational studies published pre-2025 were summarised in terms of participant, injury-related and methodological characteristics, with 49 of these studies also contributing to meta-analyses on nine cognitive-factor domains at five distinct time points post-injury. Data from 14,234 participants were represented across all studies, including 5,000 injury cases, and 9,234 controls. Findings from this review revealed that studies reporting on cognitive outcomes varied largely as a function of methodology. There appears to have been little refinement in methodologies over the last decade, with multiple possible sources of heterogeneity identified. Therefore, in line with previous research, the findings of this review suggest little to no evidence of clinically meaningful long-term cognitive impacts post mTBI. The review highlights a number of areas for improvement in future research.
While the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a reference instrument for cognitive screening, sociodemographic factors such as age and education can affect its diagnostic accuracy. The aims of this systematic review were to characterize the use of the MoCA in samples from Spain and to analyze its psychometric properties. A systematic search was conducted in the main scientific databases up to February 2025. The evidence was synthesized using a dual strategy: a quantitative synthesis (meta-analysis and meta-regression) for the first aim, and a narrative synthesis of psychometric properties guided by the COSMIN framework for the second. Eighty studies were included: 78 (n = 7,457) in the meta-analysis. The mean MoCA score was 22.85, with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 99.3
An increasing number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses examine health outcomes from traumatic brain injury (TBI). This umbrella review examines the association of TBI with comorbid health outcomes and evaluates the methodological rigor of existing literature. This protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; Registration No. CRD42024581341). EMBASE, PubMed, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library were searched from database inception to November 26, 2025. Two reviewers screened abstracts and full texts using predefined criteria. Meta-analyses of observational studies were included if they assessed health outcomes following TBI and reported effect sizes were convertible to pooled equivalent odds ratios (eOR). PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were utilized for study formatting. We applied AMSTAR2 (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2) criteria to assess the quality of included studies. Health outcomes described in each meta-analysis were reanalyzed and presented through eOR using a random-effects model. 41 meta-analyses were included, covering 671 original studies and 53 comorbid health outcomes, in a cohort comprising 83 million participants across 40 countries. Our findings suggest that traumatic brain injury, acquired at any age, may be associated with impairments across neurological, somnological, cognitive, mental health, and behavioral domains. Despite these associations, 78
Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is a rare genetic condition, frequently associated with learning difficulties. Functional neuroimaging techniques have been used to investigate brain mechanisms underlying learning difficulties in NF1, but these remain poorly understood. We conducted a systematic review of functional neuroimaging studies in NF1 from 2000-2024 aiming to develop a neurobiological framework for understanding the NF1 cognitive phenotype. A total of 44 studies were identified as relevant across functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), electroencephalography (EEG), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), positron emission topography (PET), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and arterial spin labelling (ASL) techniques. Findings suggest mechanisms underlying learning in NF1 may be characterised as excitation/inhibition (E/I) ratio imbalance, dysconnectivity between brain regions and perturbations in neural activation patterns. We suggest, disruptions in GABAergic signalling, beginning in early development, may alter the whole brain function, explaining the differential patterns of brain activity, connectivity, and brain chemistry. As most of the reviewed studies were cross-sectional in nature, future research should focus on longitudinal designs to better understand developmental changes in brain mechanisms and how these processes evolve over time. Finally, it is essential to explore environmental modifiers in shaping the cognitive phenotypes associated with NF1.
Cognitive Training (CT) is proposed to improve cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI), but its effect on objective cognition remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO ID: CRD42023426761) aimed to examine the efficacy of CT on objective CRCI using neuropsychological tests categorised into cognitive domains following international classifications. Secondary objectives were to assess CT effects on self-reported variables. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, PsycINFO and Cochrane Library (last search in May 2024). Controlled trials performing CT and reporting neuropsychological outcomes were included. Risk of bias was assessed with RoB-2 and certainty of evidence with the GRADE approach. Hedges’ g at post-intervention was the primary outcome of the multivariate meta-analysis, calculated as the standardized mean difference between groups at post-intervention. Hedges´ g at pre-intervention was included as a fixed covariate. Fifteen studies were included in the systematic review and 12 in the meta-analysis (control group n = 507; intervention group n = 578). The meta-analysis showed a small, significant effect of CT on executive functioning (Hedges’ g = 0.15, 95
Acquired brain injury (ABI) often results in a range of cognitive, emotional, and behavioural impairments that compromise everyday functioning. Accurate neuropsychological assessment is essential for developing effective, individualized rehabilitation strategies. However, traditional paper-and-pencil tests frequently lack ecological validity and may underestimate deficits that emerge in complex, real-life contexts. Immersive virtual reality (VR) offers a promising complementary approach by creating interactive, realistic environments that more closely mirror daily cognitive demands. To examine the effectiveness of immersive VR in assessing neurocognitive impairments in ABI populations. Seventeen studies comparing the cognitive performance of ABI patients and healthy controls were analysed, focusing on executive functions, visuospatial abilities, and memory. Healthy controls outperformed ABI patients across all domains. The strongest effect sizes were observed in the visuospatial domain, although results were heterogeneous. Executive function tasks also revealed robust differences with less variability. Memory was the least assessed domain across studies. Moderator analyses indicated that error-based performance measures yielded the largest effect sizes, suggesting they may be particularly informative sensitive in detecting subtle cognitive deficits. In contrast, demographic factors and the inclusion of environmental distractors did not significantly influence outcomes. These findings support immersive VR as a sensitive and ecologically valid tool for neuropsychological assessment in ABI. While the current evidence is promising, further research is required to standardize VR protocols and optimize their clinical application, enabling more personalized and functionally relevant cognitive evaluations.
Although compensatory strategy training (CST) interventions are often regarded as the golden standard in practice, computerized restorative function training (CRFT) interventions became increasingly popular in recent years to rehabilitate cognitive problems in individuals with brain injuries. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of CST interventions in comparison to CRFT interventions with a particular focus on generalization of treatment effects to daily life. More specifically, we evaluated the efficacy across the components of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework, with a particular focus on outcome measures at the activity and participation levels, as these are crucial for evaluating generalization. Database searches were conducted of studies investigating CST and CRFT interventions in comparison either with an active control condition or with one another. Scientific quality and risk of bias was rated using the RoB-2 Cochrane Tool. Thirty studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings indicated that CST results in significant improvements on task performance (at the ICF activity level), as measured by proxy ratings. These effects were most notable for interventions targeting executive functioning and immediately post-treatment, with long-term effects remaining unclear. Notably, CRFT showed no improvements, with the active control group demonstrating significantly better task performance post-treatment compared to the CRFT group. However, further research is necessary to conduct a robust direct comparison between both interventions, to evaluate the long-term effects at the ICF activity level, and to evaluate which intervention method leads to improvements at the participation level.
This is a meta-analysis of studies that compare cognitive functioning between schizophrenia spectrum disorders and substance-induced psychotic disorder. PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases were systematically searched. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were analysed. The risk of bias was assessed by QUADAS-2. Studies were pooled using a random effect model, and reported means and standard deviation (SD) were converted to Hedges’g which corrects for positive bias in Cohen’s d. Eighteen studies with 1092 patients were included in the analysis. The random effects overall meta-analysis model resulted in no overall effect. The meta-analysis for each cognitive domain showed a subtle but significant difference in executive functions, favouring substance-induced psychotic disorder. The equivalence of the groups was demonstrated by comparable performance in memory, attention, psychomotor speed, and intellectual functioning. This meta-analysis revealed that the cognitive impairment in patients with schizophrenia and substance-induced psychotic disorders groups may be quite similar. This finding indicates that the harmful effect of substance use, which leads to psychosis, may cause as severe impairment of cognitive functions as schizophrenia. Our findings also suggest that differences in executive functioning may differentiate schizophrenia from substance-induced psychotic disorder.
Fatigue is one of the most debilitating symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The importance of fatigue management to quality of life, and challenges in measuring this construct, suggest a need to better understand and assess fatigue. The measurement of fatigue has historically been comprised of self-report scales, but recent research literature has begun reporting attempts to objectively measure fatigue using performance during sustained cognitive tasks, such as the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) and the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). However, there has yet to be a consensus as to whether these objective measures of fatigue concur with more traditional subjective approaches. The current meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationship between these two fatigue measurement approaches and determine whether expected moderators (e.g., demographic, clinical, and measure type variables) affected the strength of this association. Following a literature search and contacting authors for necessary data, 66 eligible studies were identified with 106 effects that were utilized in the main analyses. A three-level random-effects model revealed a significant overall small effect (r = .19, 95
Apathy is a multidimensional neuropsychiatric condition characterized by a reduction in goal-directed behavior, cognition, emotion, or social interaction, with significant clinical implications in both neurological and psychiatric disorders. Despite its prevalence, apathy has traditionally been viewed as a secondary symptom of other pathologies. This article offers a historical and conceptual review of apathy, tracing its evolution from early philosophical ideas of emotional detachment to its current status as a transdiagnostic construct. The review examines the gradual emergence of apathy as a distinct syndrome, emphasizing contributions from psychiatry and neurology. Key concepts such as abulia, anhedonia, akinetic mutism, athymhormia, and avolition are discussed to illustrate the shifting boundaries between these terms. Drawing from historical and modern perspectives, the article explores the semantic evolution of apathy-related terms and their convergence in current diagnostic frameworks. It also addresses ongoing clinical challenges in detecting and differentiating apathy from overlapping syndromes. Ultimately, this review advocates for recognizing apathy as an independent syndrome with distinct neurobiological foundations, emphasizing its importance in behavioral neuroscience and clinical neuropsychiatry.
Memory constitutes one of the most frequently assessed domains in neuropsychology. The most used tests to assess verbal memory are the California Verbal Learning Test (TAVEC in Spanish), the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS), and the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT). The aim of this meta-analysis was to statistically integrate the reliability estimates of these three tests. To this end, we conducted a Systematic Review following the PRISMA checklist. We included empirical studies that reported reliability when using TAVEC (or its children's version), the AVLT or the WMS in Spanish-speaking population and were subjected to a peer-review process. A total of 2774 records were identified, of which 463 were assessed for eligibility. Only 11 reported reliability and were included in the review, and only 7 in the meta-analysis. The most evident finding was the high rate of reliability induction found, with 93.9
