Moduladores de la expresión de la alta capacidad intelectual / Modulation of the expression of high intellectual capacity

La investigación reciente desmitifica y redefine la alta capacida d intelectual (ACI) frente al concepto tradicional monolítico y estático, basado en la heredabilidad e identificación mediante un alto cociente intelectual. Este concepto se sustituye por otro en el que la ACI es entendida como un fenómeno complejo de naturaleza genética y ambiental, multidimensional, diverso, moldeable, dinámico y en desarrollo, resultado de la covariación a lo largo de la trayectoria de vida entre fuerzas endógenas y exógenas, que van modulando y diferenciando el alto potencial (factor predictor) en competencias hacia la óptima expresión, o no, de la eminencia en la adultez. La ACI supone la conjunción de una diversidad biológica de partida (el alto potencial), una diversidad psicológica (explotación de los recursos biológicos en funciones útiles y conocimiento), y una diversidad contextual configurada por diferentes condiciones familiares, y contextos socioculturales y económicos. El objetivo del trabajo es presentar una revisión de la investigación actual sobre los factores predictores y moduladores de la ACI, desde una perspectiva neuroconstructivista. Se concluye y discute la incidencia de variables moduladoras en las diversas trayectorias de desarrollo del potencial hacia la posible eminencia adulta, y las implicaciones diagnósticas y educativas que se derivan.

Recent research demystifies and redefines high intellectual ability (HIA) against the traditional monolithic and static concept which was based on heritability and identification through an intelligence quotient. This concept is replaced by another in which the HIA is understood as a complex phenomenon of a genetic and environmental nature This is the result of a covariation along the life path between endogenous and exogenous forces, modulators of the high potential (predictor factor) towards the optimal expression, or not, of its eminence in adulthood. Then, HIA implies the conjunction of a starting biological diversity (the high potential), a psychological diversity related to the exploitation of biological resources in useful functions and knowledge, and a contextual diversity configured by different family conditions, as well as socio-cultural and economic contexts. The aim of this work is to present from a neuroconstructivist perspective a review of the current HIA research on the predictive and modulating factors. In the conclusions, we discuss the incidence of the modulating variables in the various trajectories of potential development towards possible adult eminence and the diagnostic and educational implications that are derived.

Alpha band EEG coherence in healthy nonagenarians / Coerência da banda alfa do EEG em nonagenários saudáveis

ABSTRACT Electroencephalographic (EEG) coherence is a parameter that enables evaluation of cerebral connectivity. It may be related to the functional state of the brain. In the elderly, it may reflect the neuronal loss caused by aging. Objective To describe characteristics of coherence in nonagenarians. Methods We evaluated interhemispheric coherence for the alpha band in 42 cognitively normal individuals aged 90 to 101 years. Coherence values in the occipital electrode (O1O2), in the resting state with closed eyes, were calculated by means of spectral analysis using digital EEG EMSA 32 channels, 12 bits and a frequency of 200 Hz. Results The mean coherence value for the alpha band at O1O2 was 0.65 (SD 0.13). No significant differences were found between men and women. Conclusions The findings from this study did not show any decrease in interhemispheric coherence for the alpha band in cognitively normal nonagenarians. This may be useful as a standard value for this age group.

RESUMO A coerência é um parâmetro que permite avaliar a conectividade cerebral, podendo se relacionar com o estado funcional do cérebro. Especialmente nos idosos, pode refletir a perda neuronal decorrente do envelhecimento. Objetivo Descrever características da coerência em nonagenários. Métodos Avaliamos a coerência interhemisferica para a banda alfa em 42 indivíduos cognitivamente normais entre 90 e 101 anos. Foram calculados através da análise espectral o valor da coerência nos eletrodos O1O2, em estado de repouso e olhos fechados, com EEG digital 32 canais marca EMSA 12 bits e frequência de amostragem 200 hz. Resultados O valor médio da coerência para a banda alfa entre O1O2 foi de 0,65 (DP 0,13). Não encontramos diferenças significativas entre homens e mulheres. Conclusão Os achados desse estudo não evidenciam diminuição da coerência interhemisferica para a banda alfa nos eletrodos O1O2 em nonagenários saudáveis e cognitivamente normais, podendo indicar um valor padrão para essa faixa etária.

Brain regions supporting verbal memory improvement in healthy older subjects / Regiões do cérebro relacionadas à melhora da memória verbal em idosos saudáveis

Despite growing interest in developing cognitive training interventions to minimize the aging cognitive decline process, no studies have attempted to explore which brain regions support the application of semantic strategies during verbal memory encoding. Our aim was to investigate the behavioral performance and brain correlates of these strategies in elderly individuals using fMRI in healthy older subjects. Method Subjects were scanned twice on the same day, before and after, directed instructions to apply semantic strategies during the encoding of word lists. Results Improved memory performance associated to increased semantic strategy application and brain activity in the left inferior and middle and right medial superior prefrontal cortex were found after the directed instructions. There was also reduced activation in areas related to strategy mobilization. Conclusion Improved memory performance in older subjects after the application of semantic strategies was associated with functional brain reorganization involving regions inside and outside the typical memory network. .

Apesar do crescente interesse em intervenções de treinamento cognitivo para minimizar o declínio cognitivo do envelhecimento, nenhum estudo explorou quais regiões do cérebro estão relacionadas à aplicação de estratégias semânticas durante a codificação da memória verbal. Nosso objetivo foi investigar o comportamento e correlatos cerebrais associados a essas estratégias usando fMRI em idosos saudáveis. Método Os sujeitos foram examinados no mesmo dia, antes e depois, de instruções dirigidas para aplicar estratégias semânticas durante a codificação de palavras. Resultados Melhora da memória relacionada ao uso de estratégias semânticas e aumento da atividade no córtex prefrontal inferior e medial esquerdo e medial superior direito foram encontrados após as instruções. Também houve redução de ativação em áreas de mobilização de estratégias. Conclusão A melhora da memória em idosos após o uso de estratégias semânticas estava associada à reorganização cerebral funcional envolvendo regiões dentro e fora da rede de áreas cerebrais típicas da memória. .

Magnetic resonance imaging and neuropsychological testing in the spectrum of normal aging

OBJECTIVE: To understand the relationships between brain structures and function (behavior and cognition) in healthy aging. METHOD: The study group was composed of 56 healthy elderly subjects who underwent neuropsychological assessment and quantitative magnetic resonance imaging. Cluster analysis classified the cohort into two groups, one (cluster 1) in which the magnetic resonance imaging metrics were more preserved (mean age: 66.4 years) and another (cluster 2) with less preserved markers of healthy brain tissue (mean age: 75.4 years). RESULTS: The subjects in cluster 2 (older group) had worse indices of interference in the Stroop test compared with the subjects in cluster 1 (younger group). Therefore, a simple test such as the Stroop test could differentiate groups of younger and older subjects based on magnetic resonance imaging metrics. CONCLUSION: These results are in agreement with the inhibitory control hypotheses regarding cognitive aging and may also be important in the interpretation of studies with other clinical groups, such as patients with dementia and mild cognitive impairment. .