Influence of cognitive reserve on cognitive and motor function in α-synucleinopathies: A systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis.

Cognitive reserve has shown promise as a justification for neuropathologically unexplainable clinical outcomes in Alzheimer's disease. Recent evidence suggests this effect may be replicated in conditions like Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy. However, the relationships between cognitive reserve and different cognitive abilities, as well as motor outcomes, are still poorly understood in these conditions. Additionally, it is unclear whether the reported effects are confounded by medication. This review analysed studies investigating the relationship between cognitive reserve and clinical outcomes in these α-synucleinopathy cohorts, identified from MEDLINE, Scopus, psycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science. 85 records, containing 176 cognition and 31 motor function effect sizes, were pooled using multilevel meta-analysis. There was a significant, positive association between higher cognitive reserve and both better cognition and motor function. Cognition effect sizes differed by disease subtype, cognitive reserve measure, and outcome type; however, no moderators significantly impacted motor function. Review findings highlight the clinical implications of cognitive reserve and importance of engaging in reserve-building behaviours.

Attitudes of psychiatry trainees towards patients with borderline personality disorder: Does the stigma begin during training?

Research suggests there is a widespread stigma among clinicians towards patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and that this contributes to poor treatment outcomes. Given the influence of learning environments in shaping perceptions, this study investigated the attitude of South Australian psychiatry trainees towards patients with BPD. A questionnaire was distributed to 89 South Australian doctors, from both The Adelaide Prevocational Psychiatry Program (TAPPP) and psychiatry trainees of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP). This questionnaire investigated the domains of treatment optimism, clinician attitude and empathy towards patients with BPD. Results indicated that psychiatry trainees near the end of training scored significantly lower across all domains, indicating a more negative perception of patients with BPD, when compared to early- and mid-stage trainees. This study identifies a need to understand why trainees closer to qualifying as psychiatrists have increased stigma towards patients with BPD. Improved education and training surrounding patients with BPD is warranted to reduce negative stigma and improve clinical outcomes.