Browsing by Author "Pinto, Joana O"
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- Methylphenidate and P300 in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysisPublication . Barroso, Beatriz C. R.; Mendonça, Fabiana; Mazer, Prune; Prata, Catarina; Pinto, Joana O.; Mazer, Prune; Pinto, Joana OMethylphenidate (MPH) is a stimulant medicine often used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as it may positively affect behaviour and brain activity. This work aims to systematise the current literature about the effects of MPH on the amplitude of P300 in individuals with ADHD. A systematic review and meta-analysis of empirical studies measuring P300 amplitude and comparing MPH administration to either a pre-MPH condition or healthy controls was conducted, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Our results revealed no overall (n = 13) significant differences between individuals diagnosed with ADHD and medicated with MPH and controls. Although, a moderation analysis by region found differences between both groups on frontal sites. When comparing the pre- and post-effects of MPH on the same individuals (n = 17), it appears that P300 amplitude tends to increase post-administration in central and posterior regions. In this second meta-analysis, a moderation by task revealed a larger effect size for go/no-go. In general, MPH was found to increase P300 amplitude in ADHD, somewhat normalising this aspect of their brain activity. The main limitations of the included studies are the insufficiently explained dosages and the skewness for male participants. Future research directions are discussed.
- Preliminary results on the efficacy of a neurocognitive training programme with multisensory integration in Major Neurocognitive DisorderPublication . Pinto, Joana O.; Dores, Artemisa R.; Peixoto, Bruno; Barbosa, Fernando; Dores, Artemisa; Pinto, Joana ONeurocognitive training was associated with positive effects on global neurocognition in patients with Major Neurocognitive Disorders (ND). However, despite evidence linking sensory deficits to neurocognitive dysfunction in the older population, no prior intervention has targeted neurocognition, including the sensation domain. To explore the efficacy of neurocognitive training with a multisensory integration (MI) component, a sample of 110 older adults was recruited from both daycare centers and nursing homes. Of these, 46 were diagnosed with mild to moderate Major ND and completed a neuropsychological assessment protocol at pre-, post-intervention, and at a 4-month follow-up. Participants were randomly assigned to four groups: NeuroRi, a hands-on neurocognitive training programme; NeuroRi with a MI component; NeuronUP a technology-based programme; and passive control group. All but the passive group completed two sessions per week with neurocognitive tasks for four months. Although this is a pilot study, the preliminary results suggest that combining NeuroRi with MI may offer potential benefits across several neurocognitive domains, including sensory-perceptual functioning in mild to moderate Major ND. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size and the complex design of the study. This work provides recommendations for the neurocognitive intervention, from planning to assessing meaningful changes, while recognizing the limitations of the study and the need for further research to confirm these preliminary results.