Impact of chronic diseases on executive control functions, and functional brain imaging in action

Impact of chronic diseases on executive control functions, and functional brain imaging in action

Presse

Years ago, we observed that individual differences in glucose metabolism predict performance in tasks assessing attentional control, even in non-diabetic seniors (Gagnon et al., 2010) and that coronary patients that underwent heart surgery show specific, but reversible cognitive deficits by an intervention (de Tournay-Jetté et al., 2012). We also showed that physical functioning predicts executive…

Cardiac rehabilitation and cognition

Cardiac rehabilitation and cognition

Presse

We conduct neuropsychological testing in various cardiac populations: adults with cardiovascular risk factors, coronary heart disease patients, heart failure patients, patients with atrial fibrillation, etc. (Gagnon et al., 2021, Rivard et al. 2019). We have also developed physical activity home-based programs tailored to these populations to adaot to the pandemic situation (Besnier et al. 2020).…

Cognitive stimulation

Cognitive stimulation

Presse

We recently developed iPad/computer assessment and training applications that are used to advance our understanding of basic attentional control mechanisms and to use as cognitive enhancement tools. We have shown the benefit of these cognitive training programs to improve attentional control functions (Lussier et al., 2012; 2016; 2017) and enhance balance and motor control (Li…

Development and validation of multi-domain interventions

Development and validation of multi-domain interventions

Presse

A major recent accomplishment stands from the development and validation of multi-domain interventions combining physical exercise and cognitive training to improve cognition (Bherer et al., 2020, Desjardins-Crépeau et al., 2016), mobility (Fraser et al., 2017) and walking (Pothier et al., 2018). More recently, we have shown the advantage of combining exercise and cognitive training to…

Physical activity and cognitive aging

Physical activity and cognitive aging

Presse

We have developed and tested physical activity programs tailored to sedentary and frail older adults. We have shown for the first time (Langlois et al., 2013) equivalent benefits of 3 months of exercise training in frail and non-frail age-matched controls on cognitive and psychological outcomes. This complements our work on the effect of multiple types…

Multimodal Cerebral Neurovascular Imaging platform

Multimodal Cerebral Neurovascular Imaging platform

Presse

Thanks to the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, we recently developped a platform to comprehensively measure every facet of cerebral blood flow regulation. This unique setting allows for a detailed characterization of brain health, by providing simultaneous measurements of cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and neuro-hemodynamics processes. This platform will advance our knowledge of the interplay between all components…