Papers by Ludmiła Zając-Lamparska
Access to mental health services for the carers of persons suffering from dementia in Poland – proposal for a system solution
Acta Neuropsychologica, Sep 10, 2023
Symmetry, 2024
Hemispheric Asymmetry Reduction in Old Adults (HAROLD) is one of the most well-known models of co... more Hemispheric Asymmetry Reduction in Old Adults (HAROLD) is one of the most well-known models of compensatory brain involvement in older adults. Most evidence supports its occurrence from the perspective of PET and fMRI studies, with a deficiency in electroencephalographic research in this domain. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the possibility of identifying the HAROLD pattern in older adults’ power of theta and alpha. The study sample comprised 50 older adults and 60 young adults performing n-back tasks while recording EEG signals. The level of cognitive performance and the theta and alpha power for pairs of symmetrical electrodes in the prefrontal, frontal, and parietal areas were analyzed. Older adults exhibited inferior cognitive performance compared to young adults and heightened theta power in the right hemisphere within the prefrontal and parietal areas. However, they also demonstrated increased alpha power in the right frontal pole, which contradicts the compensatory effects of theta power. Moreover, the two indicated phenomena of lateralization of theta and alpha power in older adults were unrelated to individual cognitive performance. The results make it challenging to discern whether the revealed age-related differences in theta and alpha power lateralization denote compensation, dedifferentiation, or nonselective recruitment as neutral features of brain activity in old adults.
Limited training and transfer effects in older and young adults who participated in 12 sessions of process-based working memory training. A three-armed pretest-posttest design study
BMC research notes, Jun 28, 2024
Limited training and transfer effects in older and young adults who participated in 12 sessions of process-based working memory training. A three-armed pretest-posttest design study
BMC research notes, Jun 28, 2024
Research Square (Research Square), Feb 9, 2024
Objective: Numerous studies con rm the effectiveness of cognitive training in older adults. Howev... more Objective: Numerous studies con rm the effectiveness of cognitive training in older adults. However, there is limited evidence of the transfer occurrence. The part of the study presented here tested the effect of 12 sessions of process-based working memory training on the performance of the trained task (training effect) and other cognitive tasks (transfer effect). A pretest-posttest study design with one experimental group and two control (passive and active) groups was applied. The sample comprised 3 groups of older adults: experimental (n = 25), passive control (n = 22), active control (n = 7), and young adults: experimental (n = 25), passive control (n = 25), and active control (n = 12). The study was registered after completion of the study with a ClinicalTrials.gov Identi er: NCT06235840 on 31 January 2024. Results: Under the in uence of training, the performance of the trained task improved signi cantly, but only in young adults. Transfer of WM training effects was not revealed. Among young adults, a testing effect was observed for the indicator of attentional focus and psychomotor speed. Moreover, the obtained results suggest the transfer from practice in multi-domain training, implemented in the active control group, to tasks that require the use of uid intelligence. However, this nding should be interpreted with great caution due to the small size of active control groups.
Advances in Cognitive Psychology, Dec 31, 2022
The N200 and P300 event-related potential (ERP) components have long been used in psychological r... more The N200 and P300 event-related potential (ERP) components have long been used in psychological research as markers of brain activity correlated with sensory and cognitive processes. Their characteristics can be utilized as correlates of cognitive functioning. Our aim was to study the amplitudes of N200 (200-300 ms post stimulus) and P300 (300-500 ms post stimulus) with respect to their correlations with the efficacy of cognitive inhibition, working memory, and fluid intelligence. This study was conducted in the context of the relationship between those cognitive functions. Participants were 72 healthy young adults. At least two different behavioral measures were employed for each of the cognitive functions studied. Cognitive inhibition was assessed with the go/ no-go task, the Stroop task, and the stop-signal task, working memory -with the n-back and the operation span tasks, and fluid intelligence -with Raven's Advanced Matrices and Cattel's Culture Fair Test. Two of these tasks were used to gather electrophysiological data: the n-back and the go/ no-go tasks. We observed several correlations of expected directions that were congruent with earlier research findings. We discuss these findings in relation both to the theoretical considerations of the studied ERP components as well as with respect to the methodological difficulties of the sample and methods selection.
Frontiers in psychology, Apr 11, 2024
Zając-Lamparska L, Zabielska-Mendyk E, Zapała D and Augustynowicz P ( ) Compensatory brain activi... more Zając-Lamparska L, Zabielska-Mendyk E, Zapała D and Augustynowicz P ( ) Compensatory brain activity pattern is not present in older adults during the n-back task performance-Findings based on EEG frequency analysis.
Frontiers in Psychiatry, Jun 9, 2021
Background: Seniors have been only little considered in studies examining problematic internet us... more Background: Seniors have been only little considered in studies examining problematic internet use and associated health issues, although they may present risk factors that make them particularly vulnerable for the development of problematic internet use. Objectives: (1) To compare Internet use and problematic use among seniors in Switzerland and Poland; (2) To examine the relationships between problematic internet use, impulsivity traits and well-being as previous studies showed that internet can be used to cope with negative emotions or life dissatisfaction. Methods: A cross-sectional survey conducted between June 2016 and April 2017 with 264 older internet users aged above 60 years old recruited in Switzerland (88) and Poland (176) assessing sociodemographic variables, online activities, problematic internet use, impulsivity traits and well-being. Results: The two groups differed in their reported online activities in that Polish participants reported more searching for information and buying, whereas Swiss participants reported significantly greater problematic internet use than Polish participants. Finally, a multiple linear regression analysis performed on the whole sample indicated that lower well-being and being a Swiss participant were both significantly associated with greater problematic internet use, after age, gender, level of education, impulsivity traits have been controlled for. Discussion: Swiss seniors showed a more problematic internet use than Polish participants who focused more in their online activities on utility use of internet. The relationships between problematic internet use and well-being suggest that older adults use internet mainly to cope with negative emotion or life dissatisfaction. Socio-cultural differences that could account for these group differences as well as difference with young adults are discussed.
Aktualności Neurologiczne, Jul 31, 2019
W ostatnich dekadach obserwuje się rosnące zainteresowanie możliwościami niefarmakologicznego odd... more W ostatnich dekadach obserwuje się rosnące zainteresowanie możliwościami niefarmakologicznego oddziaływania na funkcje poznawcze osób starszych za pomocą interwencji poznawczych: treningów funkcji poznawczych, stymulacji poznawczej i rehabilitacji poznawczej. Mają one szczególne znaczenie w grupie pacjentów z łagodnymi zaburzeniami poznawczymi. Współwystępowanie podwyższonego ryzyka otępienia i możliwości poprawy funkcjonowania poznawczego sprawia, że łagodne zaburzenia poznawcze traktowane są jako stan potencjalnie podatny na interwencje. W artykule dokonano systematycznego przeglądu literatury pod kątem opracowań syntetyzujących wyniki badań nad efektywnością interwencji poznawczych u osób z łagodnymi zaburzeniami poznawczymi. Spośród 136 znalezionych publikacji do przeglądu włączono 14 artykułów: 4 metaanalizy i 10 przeglądów systematycznych, łącznie odwołujących się do 76 badań. Analiza literatury prowadzi do wniosku, że istnieją wyraźne przesłanki wskazujące na pozytywny, choć nieduży, wpływ treningów funkcji poznawczych na funkcjonowanie poznawcze pacjentów, przede wszystkim na pamięć. W przypadku rehabilitacji poznawczej wnioski są mniej pewne, lecz sugerują poprawę wskaźników behawioralnych. Badania nad skutecznością stymulacji poznawczej w łagodnych zaburzeniach poznawczych są praktycznie nieobecne w metaanalizach i przeglądach systematycznych. Jednocześnie autorzy większości analizowanych publikacji sygnalizują zastrzeżenia metodologiczne wobec prowadzonych badań. Istnieje też duża heterogeniczność stosowanych oddziaływań i kryteriów diagnostycznych, co utrudnia syntezę. Aktualna jakość dowodów efektywności interwencji poznawczych u pacjentów z łagodnymi zaburzeniami poznawczymi sprawia, że interwencje te uzyskują tylko najniższy poziom rekomendacji klinicznej. Jednak wobec możliwości udoskonalenia metodologii badań oraz braku rekomendacji dla jakiejkolwiek terapii farmakologicznej w łagodnych zaburzeniach poznawczych interwencje poznawcze są podejściem obiecującym. Słowa kluczowe: łagodne zaburzenia poznawcze, terapia poznawcza, trening funkcji poznawczych, rehabilitacja poznawcza, stymulacja poznawcza Recent decades have witnessed a growing interest in the possibilities of non-pharmacological modulation of cognitive functions in older patients using cognitive interventions, such as cognitive training, cognitive stimulation and cognitive rehabilitation. These approaches are of particular importance in the group of patients with mild cognitive impairment. Since the increased risk of dementia coincides with the possibility of improving cognitive functioning, mild cognitive impairment is considered a condition potentially prone to intervention. The paper presents a systematic literature review of papers that synthesise the results of research on the efficacy of cognitive interventions in patients with mild cognitive impairment. We included 14 out of 136 publications in the review: 4 meta-analyses and 10 systematic reviews, which yielded a total number of 76 studies. The literature analysis led us to conclude that there seems to be clear evidence indicating beneficial, though modest, effects of cognitive training on cognitive functioning, memory in particular. Although the conclusions are less clear in the case of cognitive rehabilitation, they suggest improved behavioural indicators. Studies on the efficacy of cognitive stimulation in mild cognitive impairment are virtually missing in meta-analyses and systematic reviews. At the same time, authors of most of the analysed papers express some methodological reservations regarding these studies. Furthermore, the used interventions and diagnostic criteria are very heterogeneous, which makes the synthesis difficult.
Research Square (Research Square), Jul 16, 2021
Background: Selection, optimization and compensation strategies (SOC strategies) are the life man... more Background: Selection, optimization and compensation strategies (SOC strategies) are the life management strategies that contribute to successful development. The studies conducted so far have consistently indicated a relationship between the use of these strategies and well-being. In contrast, the relationship between SOC strategies and impulsivity has not yet been empirically examined, although there are premises to assume its existence. The aim of the study was to compare the use of SOC strategies in early, middle and late adulthood, and to investigate the relationship between the use of SOC strategies and well-being and impulsivity. In addition, the study involved a newly developed Polish version of the SOC Questionnaire (SOC48-PL). Methods: The study sample comprised 589 Poles from three age groups: early adulthood (n = 186, 20-35 years), middle adulthood (n = 165, 40-55 years) and late adulthood (n = 238, 60-85 years). In the study, in addition to the SOC48-PL questionnaire, the Short Depression-Happiness Scale (SDHS) and the Short UPPS-P Impulsivity Scale (S UPPS-P) were used. Results: Developmental differences in the use of SOC strategies are rather slight, with a considerable individual differences within age groups. The study revealed some indications of a "developmental peak" of SOC strategies in middle adulthood. The use SOC strategies is positively related to well-being. In turn, the relationship between the use of SOC strategies and impulsivity is negative, especially for two dimensions of impulsivity: lack of premeditation and lack of perseverance. Conclusions: The results only slightly con rm the assumed age-related differences in the use of SOC strategies and point to a large role of individual differences. The revealed relationships of SOC strategy use with well-being and impulsivity are consistent with expectations. The results obtained in the Polish sample con rm the repeatedly revealed positive role of the SOC strategies use for well-being. In contrast, the negative association of SOC strategy use with impulsivity may suggest that for impulsive individuals, spontaneous use of these life-management strategies may be di cult and less likely than those with low impulsivity.
Acta Neuropsychologica, 2023
Aim: Caregivers of persons suffering dementia constitute a group showing a great need to support ... more Aim: Caregivers of persons suffering dementia constitute a group showing a great need to support their mental health, and at the same time largely neglected in terms of receiving this support. In this context, the aim of this article is to propose the Stepped Care 2.0 (S.C. 2.0) model as a systemic solution to mental health care for carers of persons with dementia. Material and method: In this article, we focus on presenting the argumentation that proves the need and validity of introducing the proposed mental health care model for carers of persons with dementia. For this purpose, we draw on the results of our own pilot study, as well as a review of the literature. Results: As the literature review indicates, caring for individuals with dementia is a source of multidimensional burden and deterioration in well-being. Results obtained in our own study indicate that there exists a burden of care among carers of persons with dementia in Poland and their well-being is significantly lower compared to non-carers. Moreover, the results suggest that the degree of negative consequences of being a caregiver varies depending of the degree of patient's disability. The flexibility of support and client-centric approach assumed in the S.C. 2.0 model can provide a good response to the diverse and changing needs of carers of persons with dementia. It can also serve as a kind of hub encompassing and organising existing forms of support for carers. Moreover, the effectiveness of the selected types of support included in this model is confirmed by existing research findings. Conclusions: The need for mental health support for carers of individuals with dementia is undeniable. In the light of the arguments provided, the S.C. 2.0 model is a suitable solution for the systemic organisation of such support.
Advances in Cognitive Psychology, 2023
The N200 and P300 event-related potential (ERP) components have long been used in psychological r... more The N200 and P300 event-related potential (ERP) components have long been used in psychological research as markers of brain activity correlated with sensory and cognitive processes. Their characteristics can be utilized as correlates of cognitive functioning. Our aim was to study the amplitudes of N200 (200-300 ms post stimulus) and P300 (300-500 ms post stimulus) with respect to their correlations with the efficacy of cognitive inhibition, working memory, and fluid intelligence. This study was conducted in the context of the relationship between those cognitive functions. Participants were 72 healthy young adults. At least two different behavioral measures were employed for each of the cognitive functions studied. Cognitive inhibition was assessed with the go/ no-go task, the Stroop task, and the stop-signal task, working memory-with the n-back and the operation span tasks, and fluid intelligence-with Raven's Advanced Matrices and Cattel's Culture Fair Test. Two of these tasks were used to gather electrophysiological data: the n-back and the go/ no-go tasks. We observed several correlations of expected directions that were congruent with earlier research findings. We discuss these findings in relation both to the theoretical considerations of the studied ERP components as well as with respect to the methodological difficulties of the sample and methods selection.
Health Psychology Report, Jan 12, 2016
health psychology report • volume 4(1), 6 original article background The interest in the poss... more health psychology report • volume 4(1), 6 original article background The interest in the possibility of improving cognitive functioning through training of basic cognitive processes is growing. This possibility is of particular importance for older adults, whose cognitive functions are weakened, and who may need cognitive rehabilitation. However, improvement of the performance in the tasks being trained is not the only goal of basic cognitive processes training. Far transfer, onto tasks different to the ones trained, and engaging other (usually complex) processes, including fluid intelligence, is an important goal of such training. Yet, meta-analyses suggest that results of studies on the far transfer phenomenon vary, and are not conclusive.
Gerontologist, Aug 27, 2015
With 38 million residents, Poland has the eighth-largest population in Europe. A successful trans... more With 38 million residents, Poland has the eighth-largest population in Europe. A successful transition from communism to democracy, which began in 1989, has brought several significant changes to the country's economic development, demographic structure, quality of life, and public policies. As in the other European countries, Poland has been facing a rapid increase in the number of older adults. Currently, the population 65 and above is growing more rapidly than the total population and this discrepancy will have important consequences for the country's economy. As the population ages, there will be increased demands to improve Poland's health care and retirement systems. This article aims to provide a brief overview of the demographic trends in Poland as well a look at the country's major institutions of gerontology research. The article also describes key public policies concerning aging and how these may affect the well-being of Poland's older adults.
![Research paper thumbnail of [Prospective memory - concepts, methods of assessment, neuroanatomical bases and its deficits in mental disorders]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/108579117/thumbnails/1.jpg)
PubMed, Jul 31, 2013
In the last two decades of the last century there has been a shift in the studies on memory. In p... more In the last two decades of the last century there has been a shift in the studies on memory. In psychology of memory the criticism of the laboratory approach resulted in development of the ecological approach. One of the effects of this change was to initiate researches on memory that includes plans for the future, which has resulted in the distinction of the concept of prospective memory. Prospective memory is used in many aspects of everyday life. It deals with remembering intentions and plans, it is connected with remembering about specific task or activity in the future. There are three types of PM: event-based prospective memory, time-based prospective memory and activity-based prospective memory. Current research in this field have already established its own paradigm and tools measuring PM and there is still increasing scientific interest in this issue. Prospective memory assessment may be carried out in various ways. Among them, the most frequently used are: a) questionnaires, b) psychological tests, c) experimental procedures. Within the latter, the additional distinction can be introduced for: the experiments conducted under natural conditions and the laboratory procedures. In Polish literature, there are only a few articles on PM. The aim of this work is to review studies on assessment methods of PM. Its neuroanatomical bases and its functioning in different mental disorders are analyzed. The work is aimed to focus clinicians attention on prospective memory as an area which is important for complex diagnosis of cognitive processes.
Psychologiczna sytuacja człowieka starszego oraz jej determinanty
Możliwości wspomagania pamięci osób starszych poprzez trening
The purpose of this article is to present the problem of the elderly people’s memory and cognitiv... more The purpose of this article is to present the problem of the elderly people’s memory and cognitive training as a form of support for it. The article begins with a description of memory functioning in the late adulthood. Then the issues of application and effectiveness of cognitive training for old people were presented with a special focus on the results of research projects. Last part of the article presents the main assumptions concerning the way of preparing and conducting the memory training for elderly people.
O świadomości. Wybrane zagadnienia
Frontiers in Neural Circuits, 2016
Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is considered to be connected with memory and learning t... more Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is considered to be connected with memory and learning through the processes of long term synaptic potentiation and synaptic plasticity. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between precursor BDNF (proBNDF) and mature BDNF (mBDNF) serum levels and performance on Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) in 150 healthy volunteers. In addition, we have verified the relationships between serum concentration of both forms of BDNF and RAVLT with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors.We found no strong evidence for the correlation of proBDNF and mBDNF serum levels with performance on RAVLT in healthy Polish population in early and middle adulthood. We observed the mBDNF serum concentration to be higher in women compared with men. Moreover, we revealed higher mBDNF level to be connected with lower body mass index (BMI). In turn, the results of RAVLT correlated with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, such as: age, education, gender, BMI and smoking.
![Research paper thumbnail of Postawy wobec osób starszych: różnice miedzypokoleniowe [Attitudes towards elderly people: intergenerational differences]](https://a.academia-assets.com/images/blank-paper.jpg)
Postawy wobec osób starszych: różnice miedzypokoleniowe [Attitudes towards elderly people: intergenerational differences]
The purpose of this study was to describe the attitudes toward elderly in general, and its typica... more The purpose of this study was to describe the attitudes toward elderly in general, and its typical patterns in three age groups: young, middle and old adults. The total sample consisted of 180 participants: university students (n=60), their parents (n=60), their grandparents and elderly people living in institutions (n=60). The Attitudes Toward Old Persons Scale by Kogan was applied, showing in general, rather neutral attitudes to elderly of the sample. The analyses of average results in age groups indicated that the young adults show the most friendly attitudes to elderly, and that the old people show the most negative attitudes. Factor analyses and cluster analyses models indicated three different patterns of attitudes toward elderly in the total sample, and showed the typical attitudes toward old people in age groups.
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Papers by Ludmiła Zając-Lamparska