All Things Cognitive

All Things Cognitive

As humans, we tend to take cognitive function for granted. Cognitive function may be described by such items as attention, working memory, executive function and so on. Cognitive impairment corresponds to deficits in these and other areas. Conversely, cognitive enhancement has the opposite effect, enhancing cognitive function. For example, a study showed that cognitive enhancement strategies may have additional benefits such as fighting drug addiction. Addiction to drugs has been documented as causing cognitive impairment. Researchers theorize whether cause and effect are always in the same relationship. Thus, perhaps individuals with cognitive impairment to begin with attend more to drug cues and are more likely to become addicted. For example, through weaker inhibitory control. One study shows that there are multiple therapies, both pharmacological and behavioural which may help with addictions to nicotine, cannabis and heroin, but not necessarily to cocaine and metamphetamine. Therefore, cognitive enhancement may prove helpful in treating drug addictions, particularly early in the stages of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Bias Modification (CBM). Cognitive Enhancement Therapy (CET) is another therapy that may be of benefit to many, including persons with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. The therapy proved beneficial in early stages of schizophrenia by teaching social skills and providing cognitive rehabilitation.

What may be of benefit for people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder? Photo: Elena

Interestingly, one instrument measuring cognitive function is the Stroop task. Neuroimaging measures were also conducted on subjects undergoing particular tests and tasks. The particular brain regions activation patterns remain beyond the scope of the present short article and thus are omitted from the discussion altogether. Interestingly enough, cognitive stimulation may increase creativity, as shown by one fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) study. Consequently, cognitive stimulation may be measured by performance in a brainstorming exercise. Thus, exposure to others’ ideas stimulates the production of novel ideas. Naturally, a common advice to enhance brain stimulation remains discussion with others, especially if the others are knowledgeable and smart. In other words, communication with individuals capable of producing good, valuable ideas stimulates the brain and enhances cognitive function. Exercise or physical activity has also been deemed as enhancing cognitive function, presumably by increasing blood flow to the brain.

Also, schizoaffective disorder is characterized by some of the same symptoms of both schizophrenia and mood disorders. In studies reviewed, schizoaffective disorder is associated with better outcomes than schizophrenia. Other variables predicting recovery is cognitive function at baseline. Indeed, cognitive function may be measured by a specifically designed battery of tests. Brain asymmetry is also a variable that researchers take a look at when assessing full recovery from schizoaffective disorder and schizophrenia. Assessments of symptomatology include the Schedule for Affective Disorders (SADS) and Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS).