The study of executive function decline in adults with Down syndrome (DS) is important, because it supports independent functioning in real-world settings. Inhibitory control is posited to be essential for self-regulation and adaptation to daily life activities. However, cognitive domains that most predict the capacity for inhibition in adults with DS have not been identified. The aim of this study was to identify cognitive domains that predict the capacity for inhibition, using novel data-driven techniques in a sample of adults with DS (n = 188; 49.47% men; 33.6 ± 8.8 years old), with low and moderate levels of intellectual disability. Neuropsychological tests, including assessment of memory, attention, language, executive functions, and praxis, were submitted to Random Forest, support vector machine, and logistic regression algorithms for the purpose of predicting inhibition capacity, assessed with the Cats-and-Dogs test. Convergent results from the three algorithms show that the best predictors for inhibition capacity were constructive praxis, verbal memory, immediate memory, planning, and written verbal comprehension. These results suggest the minimum set of neuropsychological assessments and potential intervention targets for individuals with DS and ID, which may optimize potential for independent living.

(1) Background: Throughout the history of medical and psychology practice, specialists have worked to improve the quality of treatment and rehabilitation, which has led to the emergence of concepts such as serious games. These tools focus on different areas of intervention procedures, one of which is to help people with intellectual disability (ID). Individuals with ID have problems with executive functions (EFs), which are related to adaptive functioning. Recent studies showed that serious games positively impact cognitive, social, and communication skills in people with ID. The purpose of this study is to analyze the solutions that have been found in EF training for adults with ID in recent years, evaluating them with a number of key parameters and identifying the features and possible problems in the further development of our system. (2) Methods: A review was conducted starting with 573 articles in English related to serious games and selected from studies that had been published since 2015. Finally, 10 were examined in detail as they focused on EFs in adults with ID. They were searched in seven major databases (“Association for Computing Machinery” (ACM), IEEE Xplore database, DBLP computer science bibliography, Google Scholar, PubMed, SCOPUS, and PsycInfo). (3) Results: It was determined that the most frequent EFs referred to in the studies analyzed were planning and decision-making, followed by working memory and social cognition, behavioral regulation, flexibility, and inhibition capacity. The basic approach to the creation of support systems was also analyzed in terms of technical and program execution. The trend results’ analysis evidenced improvements in EFs, even though they were not significant. This comprehensive technique enabled the identification of the main features and aspects to be taken into account for further development of our system.

Antecedentes: La Musicoterapia Neurológica (MTN) se ha desarrollado durante las últimas décadas como una disciplina estructurada, basada en la evidencia y con bases teóricas surgidas de estudios neurocientíficos. Se aplica a Personas con Demencia Grave (PcDG) para estimular funciones cognitivas y mejorar el estado emocional y conductual. Objetivos: estudiar los efectos cognitivos, emocionales y conductuales de la MTN en PcDG e introducir el uso de la escala de musicoterapia validada al español: Music in Dementia Assessment Scale (MiDAS-ESP). Método: Estudio cuasi experimental de medidas repetidas pre-post con un grupo experimental de 30 personas. Se registraron variables sociodemográficas, clínicas, cognitivas, de comportamiento, emocionales y de calidad de vida. La intervención consistió en 10 sesiones de MTN, realizada por un musicoterapeuta acreditado. Resultados: Se objetivaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las puntuaciones registradas antes y después de la intervención, indicando mejoría emocional, comportamental y de calidad de vida. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en cognición global, a pesar de observar mejoría. Se objetivaron diferencias significativas en la escala MiDAS-ESP, mostrando incremento de satisfacción durante la terapia. Conclusiones: La MTN contribuye positivamente a mejorar el estado de ánimo, el comportamiento, la calidad de vida y la satisfacción en PcDG.

Background: University transition is often accompanied by psychological strain and lifestyle changes that may increase vulnerability to mental health and cognitive difficulties. Randomized evidence examining exercise-based, mindfulness-based, and movement-based mind–body interventions within one study remains limited. This study examined psychological and cognitive outcomes across three online interventions in university students. Methods: In this three-arm randomized controlled trial, 53 university students aged 18–25 years were randomly allocated to 12 weeks of high-intensity functional training (HIFT; n = 17), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR; n = 18), or Qigong (QG; n = 18). Primary outcomes were the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21) total score and cognitive composite scores for attention–processing speed, executive function, and memory. Secondary outcomes included mindfulness, self-esteem, physical activity, sleep quality, Mediterranean diet adherence, heart rate variability, and physical fitness. Linear mixed-effects models tested time-by-group interactions. Adherence, safety, and recruitment barriers were examined descriptively. Results: No clear between-group differences were detected in psychological distress or cognitive function. Overall intervention adherence was 83%. Memory and self-esteem improved within all three groups. The Observing mindfulness subscale showed a nominal time-by-group interaction, with a greater increase in MBSR than HIFT. Improvements in sleep quality were associated with reductions in psychological distress. Limited schedule availability was the most frequently recorded recruitment barrier. Conclusions: Psychological and cognitive outcomes showed broadly similar patterns across HIFT, MBSR, and QG. Shared within-group improvements and selected mindfulness-related signals warrant further investigation. Recruitment challenges highlight the value of flexible delivery in future university-based trials.