Cognitive Dysfunction, Cognitive Disorder

This prospective, randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate and compare the efficacy of cognitive-based balance rehabilitation delivered via immersive Virtual Reality (VR) versus traditional Dual-Task Training (DTT) on balance, gait, cognitive functions, and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD). Postural instability and cognitive decline are hallmark features of progressive PD that significantly elevate fall risks and compromise daily independence, yet conventional pharmacological therapies offer limited effectiveness in restoring complex postural control. Given that motor and cognitive processes are intrinsically linked, this study addresses a critical gap in neurorehabilitation by investigating two contemporary modalities designed to challenge these systems simultaneously. A total of 34 participants diagnosed with PD (aged 40-80 years, Hoehn and Yahr stages I-III) will be randomly allocated to either the Dual-Task Group (DTG), receiving structured therapeutic exercises integrated with sequential cognitive tasks, or the Virtual Reality Group (VRG), engaging in an immersive balance program utilizing the Oculus Quest 2® headset with the FIT-XR application. Both groups will undergo an identical intervention protocol consisting of 45-minute supervised sessions, conducted twice weekly for 8 consecutive weeks during their pharmacological "on" phase. Standardized assessments will be performed by a blinded clinician at baseline and post-intervention (Week 8). The primary outcome measures will be dynamic balance and gait assessed through the Mini-Balance Evaluations Systems Test (Mini-BESTest) alongside global cognitive performance measured via the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Secondary outcomes will encompass objective posturographic indices using the Biodex Balance System, motor severity via the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS-III), freezing of gait, health-related quality of life, global perceived improvement, and potential cyber-sickness symptoms monitored through the Virtual Reality Sickness Questionnaire (VRSQ) to comprehensively determine the safety and comparative therapeutic value of these interventions.

The DIV-AD study aims to find out whether levels of Alzheimer's disease markers in blood differ among the main ethnical groups living in central Barcelona. It will also examine how factors such as age, income, education, and health conditions may affect these levels. In addition, the study will identify barriers that may make it difficult to use these blood tests in primary care. The final goal is to help ensure that everyone in Barcelona has fair access to early prevention strategies for Alzheimer's disease.

This prospective study recruited 20 healthy volunteers and 50 patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) according to clinical guidelines. Participants underwent AV45/AV-1 and AV1451 PET imaging to obtain information on Aβ protein deposition, tau protein distribution, and structural and functional information. The study aims to evaluate the value of multimodal imaging features in the diagnosis and progression assessment of AD, providing imaging evidence for novel treatment modalities such as lecanemab therapy and deep cervical vein-lymphatic anastomosis.