What strategies improve cognitive top-down regulation?

From the Guidelines

To improve cognitive top-down regulation, I recommend implementing a comprehensive approach combining cognitive training exercises, such as strategy training for memory deficits, and compensatory strategies, as these have been shown to result in small but significant improvements in cognitive functioning, particularly in attention, memory, and executive function, as supported by the most recent evidence from 1.

Key Components of Cognitive Rehabilitation

• Cognitive training exercises:
  • Strategy training for memory deficits, such as visual imagery, semantic organization, and spaced practice, as recommended by 1
  • Attention training, although benefits are inconsistent, as noted in 1 and 1
• Compensatory strategies:
  • Use of internalized strategies, such as visual imagery, and external memory assistive technology, like notebooks, paging systems, and computers, as suggested by 1
  • Errorless learning techniques for individuals with severe memory impairments, as found effective in 1

Additional Considerations

• Virtual reality training may be considered for verbal, visual, and spatial learning, although its efficacy is not well established, as stated in 1
• Anodal tDCS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex may improve language-based complex attention, but remains experimental, as noted in 1
• Enriched environments to increase engagement with cognitive activities are recommended, as supported by 1

Implementation and Consistency

• Consistency is crucial, with these practices becoming more effective when maintained regularly over weeks to months
• A comprehensive approach, incorporating multiple components, is likely to yield the best outcomes, as suggested by the most recent evidence from 1

From the Research

Strategies for Improving Cognitive Top-Down Regulation

Several strategies have been identified to improve cognitive top-down regulation, including:

• Cognitive rehabilitation targeting attention, executive functions, and working memory, which has been shown to bring about improvements in cognition in individuals with psychotic disorders 2
• Combining Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to increase putative benefits of MBSR for cognitive function and everyday mindfulness in depressed or anxious older adults with subjective cognitive decline 3
• Exercise interventions and mindfulness-based interventions, which have been found to improve cognitive impairment and quality of life in breast cancer survivors during or after cancer treatment, with mindfulness-based interventions being more effective than exercise interventions for alleviating cognitive impairment 4
• Top-down modulation, which serves as a common neural mechanism underlying selective attention and working memory, and is engaged during both stimulus-present and stimulus-absent stages of working memory tasks 5
• Activities and programs that improve children's executive functions, such as computer-based training, traditional martial arts, and school curricula, which can be improved through repeated practice and progressive challenge 6

Key Findings

• Cognitive rehabilitation can improve cognition in individuals with psychotic disorders by targeting attention, executive functions, and working memory 2
• Combining MBSR with tDCS can enhance MBSR via transferring its meditative learning and practice into increases in everyday mindfulness 3
• Mindfulness-based interventions can be more effective than exercise interventions for alleviating cognitive impairment in breast cancer survivors 4
• Top-down modulation is a critical mechanism underlying selective attention and working memory, and is engaged during various stages of working memory tasks 5
• Activities and programs that improve children's executive functions can have a positive impact on their cognitive development, particularly when they are progressively challenged and practiced repeatedly 6