scholarly journals Linking ecology and cognition: does ecological specialisation predict cognitive test performance?

2020 ◽  
Vol 74 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanna Henke-von der Malsburg ◽  
Peter M. Kappeler ◽  
Claudia Fichtel
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Social Intelligence ◽  
Brain Size ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Interspecific Variation ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Ecological Processes

AbstractVariation in cognitive abilities is thought to be linked to variation in brain size, which varies across species with either social factors (Social Intelligence Hypothesis) or ecological challenges (Ecological Intelligence Hypothesis). However, the nature of the ecological processes invoked by the Ecological Intelligence Hypothesis, like adaptations to certain habitat characteristics or dietary requirements, remains relatively poorly known. Here, we review comparative studies that experimentally investigated interspecific variation in cognitive performance in relation to a species’ degree of ecological specialisation. Overall, the relevant literature was biased towards studies of mammals and birds as well as studies focusing on ecological challenges related to diet. We separated ecological challenges into those related to searching for food, accessing a food item and memorising food locations. We found interspecific variation in cognitive performance that can be explained by adaptations to different foraging styles. Species-specific adaptations to certain ecological conditions, like food patch distribution, characteristics of food items or seasonality also broadly predicted variation in cognitive abilities. A species’ innovative problem-solving and spatial processing ability, for example, could be explained by its use of specific foraging techniques or search strategies, respectively. Further, habitat generalists were more likely to outperform habitat specialists. Hence, we found evidence that ecological adaptations and cognitive performance are linked and that the classification concept of ecological specialisation can explain variation in cognitive performance only with regard to habitat, but not dietary specialisation.

Association of Vascular Risk Scores and Cognitive Performance in a Diverse Cohort: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher L Schaich ◽  
Joseph Yeboah ◽  
Mark A Espeland ◽  
Laura D Baker ◽  
Jingzhong Ding ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Risk Scores ◽  
Vascular Risk ◽  
Ethnic Study ◽  
Race Ethnicity ◽  
Racial Ethnic

Abstract Background Vascular risk scores are associated with incident dementia. Information regarding their association with cognitive performance and decline in racially/ethnically diverse cohorts is lacking. Methods In 4392 Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis participants (aged 60.1±9.4 years; 53% women; 41% white, 11% Chinese-American, 26% African-American, 21% Hispanic), we compared associations of Exam 1 (2000-02) Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Incidence of Dementia (CAIDE), Framingham stroke (FSRP), and atherosclerotic disease pooled cohort equation (ASCVD-PCE) risk scores with Exam 5 (2010-12) Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI), Digit Symbol Coding (DSC), and Digit Span (DS) cognitive test performance using multivariable linear regression, and examined racial/ethnic interactions. In 1838 participants with repeat CASI data at Exam 6 (2016-18), we related risk scores to odds of a 1-standard deviation (SD) decline in CASI performance using multivariable logistic regression. Results SD increments in each risk score were associated with worse cognitive performance. CAIDE had stronger associations with CASI performance than the FSRP and ASCVD-PCE, but associations of ASCVD-PCE with the DSC and DS were similar to CAIDE (difference in β [95% CI] = -0.57 [-1.48, 0.34] and -0.21 [-0.43, 0.01], respectively). Race/ethnicity modified associations. For example, associations between CAIDE and CASI were greater in African-Americans and Hispanics than whites (difference in β = 0.69 [0.02, 1.36] and 1.67 [0.95, 2.39], respectively). Risk scores were comparably associated with decline in CASI performance. Conclusions Antecedent vascular risk scores are associated with cognitive performance and decline in the four most common US racial/ethnic groups, but associations differ among risk scores and by race/ethnicity.

scholarly journals A Polygenic Score for Higher Educational Attainment is Associated with Larger Brains

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maxwell L. Elliott ◽  
Daniel W Belsky ◽  
Kevin Anderson ◽  
David L. Corcoran ◽  
Tian Ge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Educational Attainment ◽  
Brain Imaging ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Brain Size ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Size Difference ◽  
Uk Biobank ◽  
Polygenic Scores ◽  
Cognitive Test Performance

AbstractPeople who score higher on intelligence tests tend to have larger brains. Twin studies suggest the same genetic factors influence both brain size and intelligence. This has led to the hypothesis that genetics influence intelligence partly by contributing to development of larger brains. We tested this hypothesis with molecular genetic data using discoveries from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of educational attainment, a correlate of intelligence. We analyzed genetic, brain imaging, and cognitive test data from the UK Biobank, the Dunedin Study, the Brain Genomics Superstruct Project (GSP), and the Duke Neurogenetics Study (DNS) (combined N=8,271). We measured genetics using polygenic scores based on published GWAS. We conducted meta-analysis to test associations among participants’ genetics, total brain volume (i.e., brain size), and cognitive test performance. Consistent with previous findings, participants with higher polygenic scores achieved higher scores on cognitive tests, as did participants with larger brains. Participants with higher polygenic scores also had larger brains. We found some evidence that brain size partly mediated associations between participants’ education polygenic scores and their cognitive test performance. Effect-sizes were larger in the population-based UK Biobank and Dunedin samples than in the GSP and DNS samples. Sensitivity analysis suggested this effect-size difference partly reflected restricted range of cognitive performance in the GSP and DNS samples. Recruitment and retention of population-representative samples should be a priority for neuroscience research. Findings suggest promise for studies integrating GWAS discoveries with brain imaging data to understand neurobiology linking genetics with individual differences in cognitive performance.

scholarly journals Efficacy of tablet-based applications for mental training in preserving cognitive abilities of older adults

ABOUTOPEN ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-30
Author(s):  
Marcello Maria Turconi ◽  
Filomena Vella ◽  
Francesco Mosetti
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Mental Training ◽  
Versus Group ◽  
Group 3 ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Background and aims: Nonpathological, age-related cognitive decline is among the most feared consequences of aging. Evidence suggests that the continued use of mental abilities can slow down cognitive decline. We developed two tablet-based applications for the mental training (ElasticaMente) and social interaction/entertainment (iNonni) of older adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate their effect on cognitive performance.Materials and methods: This was an exploratory study of 8 months duration. Sixty healthy residents of a senior community center aged ≥60 years were recruited and divided into three groups: participants in Groups 1 and 2 received a tablet with ElasticaMente and iNonni (Group 1, n = 20) or with iNonni only (Group 2, n = 20); participants in Group 3 (n = 20) did not receive any tablet. Participants in Groups 1 and 2 were instructed to use the applications three times a week (each session ~45 minutes). Cognitive performance was assessed at baseline (T0) and after 8 months (T1) using a battery of six validated tests.Results: In Group 1, cognitive test scores remained consistently stable from T0 to T1, suggesting maintenance of cognitive abilities. In contrast, in Groups 2 and 3, scores worsened from T0 to T1 across all tests. Comparison of the changes from T0 to T1 revealed statistical significance for Group 1 versus Group 3, but not for Group 1 versus Group 2 and Group 2 versus Group 3.Conclusion: The 8 months use of the applications ElasticaMente and iNonni was associated with a significant benefit in terms of preserved cognitive performance compared with no tablet-based activity. The potential contribution of ElasticaMente to the attenuation of cognitive decline should be further investigated.

scholarly journals Cognitive performance after postoperative pituitary radiotherapy: a dosimetric study of the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex

2012 ◽  
Vol 166 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pauline Brummelman ◽  
Margriet G A Sattler ◽  
Linda C Meiners ◽  
Martin F Elderson ◽  
Robin P F Dullaart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Field Technique ◽  
Group A ◽  
Cross Sectional Design ◽  
Cognitive Test Performance

ObjectiveThe hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) are important for memory and executive functioning and are known to be sensitive to radiotherapy (RT). Radiation dosimetry relates radiation exposure to specific brain areas. The effects of various pituitary RT techniques were studied by relating detailed dosimetry of the hippocampus and PFC to cognitive performance.MethodsIn this cross-sectional design, 75 non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma (NFA) patients (61±10 years) participated and were divided into irradiated (RT+, n=30) and non-irradiated (RT−, n=45) groups. The RT+ group (who all received 25 fractions of 1.8 Gy; total dose: 45 Gy) consisted of three RT technique groups: three-field technique, n=10; four-field technique, n=15; and five-field technique, n=5. Memory and executive functioning were assessed by standardized neuropsychological tests. A reconstruction of the dose distributions for the three RT techniques was made. The RT doses on 30, 50, and 70% of the volume of the left and right hippocampus and PFC were calculated.ResultsCognitive test performance was not different between the four groups, despite differences in radiation doses applied to the hippocampi and PFC. Age at RT, time since RT, and the use of thyroid hormone varied significantly between the groups; however, they were not related to cognitive performance.ConclusionThis study showed that there were no significant differences on cognitive performance between the three-, four-, and five-field RT groups and the non-irradiated patient group. A dose–response relationship could not be established, even with a radiation dose that was higher on most of the volume of the hippocampus and PFC in case of a four-field RT technique compared with the three- and five-field RT techniques.

scholarly journals The associations between self-reported depression, self-reported chronic inflammatory conditions and cognitive abilities in UK Biobank

2019 ◽  
Vol 60 ◽  
pp. 63-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura M. Lyall ◽  
Breda Cullen ◽  
Donald M. Lyall ◽  
Samuel P. Leighton ◽  
Stefan Siebert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Cognitive Ability ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Digit Symbol Substitution Test ◽  
Uk Biobank ◽  
Inflammatory Conditions

AbstractBackground:Depression and chronic inflammatory medical conditions have been linked to impaired cognitive ability. However despite frequent comorbidity, their combined association with cognitive ability has rarely been examined.Methods:This study examined associations between self-reported depression and chronic inflammatory diseases and their interaction with cognitive performance in 456,748 participants of the UK Biobank, adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Numbers with available data ranged from 94,899 to 453,208 depending on the cognitive test.Results:Self-reported depression was associated with poorer performance compared to controls in several cognitive tests (fully adjusted models, reaction time: B = 6.08, 95% CI = 5.09, 7.07; pairs matching: incidence rate ratio = 1.02, 95% CI = 1.02, 1.03; Trail Making Test B: B = 1.37, 95% CI = 0.88, 1.87; Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST): B = −0.35, 95% CI = −0.44, −0.27). Self-reported chronic inflammatory conditions were associated with slower reaction time (B = 3.79, 95% CI = 2.81, 4.78) and lower DSST scores (B = −0.21, 95% CI = −0.30, −0.13). No interaction effects were observed.Discussion:In this large, population-based study we provide evidence of lower cognitive performance in both depression and a comprehensive category of chronic inflammatory conditions. Results are consistent with additive effects of both types of disorder on cognitive ability. Clinicians should be aware of such effects, particularly as cognitive impairment is linked to poorer disease outcomes and quality of life.

scholarly journals Increased posterior cingulate cortex efficiency may predict cognitive impairment in asymptomatic HIV patients

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 372-378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Ventura ◽  
Linda Douw ◽  
Diogo G Correa ◽  
Tania M Netto ◽  
Rafael F Cabral ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Cingulate Cortex ◽  
Posterior Cingulate Cortex ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Functional Reorganization ◽  
Posterior Cingulate ◽  
Compensation Technique ◽  
Cognitive Test Performance

Purpose Despite antiretroviral therapy, approximately half of individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) will develop HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). Efficiency of brain networks is of great importance for cognitive functioning, since functional networks may reorganize or compensate to preserve normal cognition. This study aims to compare efficiency of the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) between patients with and without HAND and controls. We hypothesize HAND negative (HAND–) patients will show higher PCC efficiency than HAND positive (HAND+) patients. Methods A total of 10 HAND + patients were compared with 9 HAND– patients and 17 gender-, age-, and education-matched controls. Resting-state functional MRI was acquired with a 3 Tesla scanner. Local efficiency, a measure of network functioning, was investigated for PCC. Network differences among HAND + , HAND– patients and controls were tested as well as correlations between network parameters and cognitive test performance in different domains. Results HAND– patients showed significantly increased PCC efficiency compared with healthy controls ( p = 0.015). No differences were observed between HAND + patients and either controls ( p = 0.327) or HAND– patients ( p = 0.152). In HAND– patients, PCC efficiency was positively related with cognitive performance in the attention/working memory domain ( p = 0.003). Conversely, in HAND + patients, PCC efficiency was negatively correlated with performance in the abstraction/executive domain ( p = 0.002). Conclusion HAND– patients showed a higher level of PCC efficiency compared with healthy subjects, and PCC efficiency was positively related to cognitive performance. These results support the functional reorganization hypothesis, that increased PCC efficiency is a compensation technique to maintain cognitive functioning.

Associations between Visual Acuity and Cognitive Decline in Older Adulthood: A 9-Year Longitudinal Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Ashlyn Runk ◽  
Yichen Jia ◽  
Anran Liu ◽  
Chung-Chou H. Chang ◽  
Mary Ganguli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Cognitive Abilities ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
Joint Modeling ◽  
Modifiable Risk Factor ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Cognitive Test Performance

Abstract Objective: Emerging evidence suggests low vision may be a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline. We examined effects of baseline visual acuity (VA) on level of, and change in, cognitive test performance over 9 years. Method: A population-based sample of 1,621 participants (average age 77 years) completed a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation and VA testing at baseline and reassessed at nine subsequent annual visits. Linear regression modeled the association between baseline VA and concurrent cognitive test performance. Joint modeling of a longitudinal sub-model and a survival sub-model to adjust for attrition were used to examine associations between baseline VA and repeated cognitive test performance over time. Results: Better baseline VA was associated cross-sectionally with younger age, male sex, greater than high school education, and higher baseline neuropsychological test scores on both vision-dependent (B coefficient range −0.163 to −0.375, p = .006 to <.001) and vision-independent tests (−0.187 to −0.215, p = .003 to .002). In longitudinal modeling, better baseline VA was associated with slower decline in vision-dependent tests (B coefficient range −0.092 to 0.111, p = .005 to <.001) and vision-independent tests (−0.107 to 0.067, p = .007 to <.001). Conclusions: Higher VA is associated with higher concurrent cognitive abilities and slower rates of decline over 9 years in both vision-dependent and vision-independent tests of memory, language, and executive functioning. Findings are consistent with emerging literature supporting vision impairment in aging as a potentially modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline. Clinicians should encourage patient utilization of vision assessment and correction with the added aim of protecting cognition.

scholarly journals A Polygenic Score for Higher Educational Attainment is Associated with Larger Brains

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (8) ◽  
pp. 3496-3504 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maxwell L Elliott ◽  
Daniel W Belsky ◽  
Kevin Anderson ◽  
David L Corcoran ◽  
Tian Ge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Educational Attainment ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Genome Wide Association Study ◽  
Brain Size ◽  
Imaging Genetics ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Total Brain Volume ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Polygenic Scores ◽  
Cognitive Test Performance

Abstract People who score higher on intelligence tests tend to have larger brains. Twin studies suggest the same genetic factors influence both brain size and intelligence. This has led to the hypothesis that genetics influence intelligence partly by contributing to the development of larger brains. We tested this hypothesis using four large imaging genetics studies (combined N = 7965) with polygenic scores derived from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of educational attainment, a correlate of intelligence. We conducted meta-analysis to test associations among participants’ genetics, total brain volume (i.e., brain size), and cognitive test performance. Consistent with previous findings, participants with higher polygenic scores achieved higher scores on cognitive tests, as did participants with larger brains. Participants with higher polygenic scores also had larger brains. We found some evidence that brain size partly mediated associations between participants’ education polygenic scores and their cognitive test performance. Effect sizes were larger in the population-based samples than in the convenience-based samples. Recruitment and retention of population-representative samples should be a priority for neuroscience research. Findings suggest promise for studies integrating GWAS discoveries with brain imaging to understand neurobiology linking genetics with cognitive performance.

scholarly journals Neuropsychological Performance in Survivors of Breast Cancer More Than 20 Years After Adjuvant Chemotherapy

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (10) ◽  
pp. 1080-1086 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent Koppelmans ◽  
Monique M.B. Breteler ◽  
Willem Boogerd ◽  
Caroline Seynaeve ◽  
Chad Gundy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Adjuvant Chemotherapy ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Secondary Malignancy ◽  
Long Term Effects

Purpose Adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer can have adverse effects on cognition shortly after administration. Whether chemotherapy has any long-term effects on cognition is largely unknown, yet it becomes increasingly relevant because of the widespread use of chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer and the improved survival. We investigated whether cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluorouracil (CMF) chemotherapy for breast cancer is associated with worse cognitive performance more than 20 years after treatment. Patients and Methods This case-cohort study compared the cognitive performance of patients with breast cancer who had a history of adjuvant CMF chemotherapy treatment (six cycles; average time since treatment, 21 years; n = 196) to that of a population-based sample of women never diagnosed with cancer (n = 1,509). Participants were between 50 and 80 years of age. Exclusion criteria were ever use of adjuvant endocrine therapy, secondary malignancy, recurrence, and/or metastasis. Results The women exposed to chemotherapy performed significantly worse than the reference group on cognitive tests of immediate (P = .015) and delayed verbal memory (P = .002), processing speed (P < .001), executive functioning (P = .013), and psychomotor speed (P = .001). They experienced fewer symptoms of depression (P < .001), yet had significantly more memory complaints on two of three measures that could not be explained by cognitive test performance. Conclusion Survivors of breast cancer treated with adjuvant CMF chemotherapy more than 20 years ago perform worse, on average, than random population controls on neuropsychological tests. The pattern of cognitive problems is largely similar to that observed in patients shortly after cessation of chemotherapy. This study suggests that cognitive deficits following breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent CMF chemotherapy can be long lasting.

scholarly journals Cognitive Performance among Cognitively Healthy Adults Aged 30–100 Years

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minna Alenius ◽  
Sanna Koskinen ◽  
Ilona Hallikainen ◽  
Tiia Ngandu ◽  
Jari Lipsanen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Verbal Fluency ◽  
Word List ◽  
Education Level ◽  
Healthy Adults ◽  
Cognitive Test ◽  
Normative Values ◽  
And Gender

Background/Aims: To detect cognitive decline in older adults, measures of verbal fluency and verbal memory are widely used. Less is known about performance in these measures in younger persons or according to education level and gender. We investigated cognitive performance according to age, education and gender among cognitively healthy adults aged 30–100 years. Methods: The study population comprised 4,174 cognitively healthy persons participating in the nationally representative Finnish Health 2011 survey. Cognitive assessment included verbal fluency, word list memory, word list recall and word list savings from the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease neuropsychological battery. Results: Total variance in the cognitive test performance explained by age, education and gender varied from 12.3 to 31.2%. A decreasing trend in cognitive performance existed in all subtests by advancing age, with differences appearing between 50 and 55 years. Persons with the highest-education level performed best for all measures. For the participants < 55 years, education explained part of the variance, while age and gender did not. Conclusions: When assessing cognition, age and education should be accounted for in more detail in research and clinical practice. Additionally, the cohort effect and its potential impact on the renewal cycle of future normative values for cognitive tests should be considered.

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