Higher-order resting state network association with the useful field of view task in older adults

Abstract Objectives Useful Field of View training (UFOVt) is an adaptive computerized cognitive intervention that improves visual attention and transfers to maintained health and everyday functioning in older adults. Although its efficacy is well established, the neural mechanisms underlying this intervention are unknown. This pilot study used functional MRI (fMRI) to explore neural changes following UFOVt. Method Task-driven and resting-state fMRI were used to examine changes in brain activity and connectivity in healthy older adults randomized to 10 hr of UFOVt (n = 13), 10 hr of cognitively stimulating activities (CSA; n = 11), or a no-contact control (NC; n = 10). Results UFOVt resulted in reduced task-driven activity in the majority of regions of interest (ROIs) associated with task performance, CSA resulted in reduced activity in one ROI, and there were no changes within the NC group. Relative to NC, UFOVt reduced activity in ROIs involved in effortful information processing. There were no other significant between-group task-based differences. Resting-state functional connectivity between ROIs involved in executive function and visual attention was strengthened following UFOVt compared with CSA and NC. Discussion UFOVt enhances connections needed for visual attention. Together with prior work, this study provides evidence that improvement of the brain’s visual attention efficiency is one mechanism underlying UFOVt.

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A-10 Role of Fluid Cognitive Status in the Association of Frontoparietal Control and Cingulo-Opercular Networks with the Useful Field of View Task: Implications for Cognitive Training in Aging

Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology ◽

10.1093/arclin/acab062.28 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 36 (6) ◽

pp. 1049-1050

Author(s):

Cheshire Hardcastle ◽

Hanna K Hausman ◽

Jessica N Kraft ◽

Alejandro Albizu ◽

Andrew O'Shea ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Functional Connectivity ◽

Resting State ◽

Network Connectivity ◽

Cognitive Status ◽

Field Of View ◽

Future Research ◽

Useful Field Of View ◽

The University ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Objective Training in a divided attention/speed-of-processing task called Useful Field of View (UFOV) reduced dementia risk in older adults. Higher connectivity in resting-state networks involved in attention/inter-network modulation (cingulo-opercular network(CON); frontoparietal control network(FPCN)) relates to better UFOV performance. Cognitive status relates to CON connectivity and UFOV performance. Therefore, it may be an important third variable to consider. This study assessed the mediation of cognitive status on the relationship between CON/FPCN connectivity and UFOV performance. Methods 266 healthy older adults (age M = 71.4, SD = 5.18; 92% Caucasian) were recruited through a clinical trial at the University of Florida and the University of Arizona. Cognitive status was defined by the NIH Toolbox Fluid Composite score, assessing processing speed, attention/inhibition, executive functioning, and working/episodic memory. UFOV via the Double Decision assessment was administered. Participants underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Average within-network connectivity of CON and FPCN were extracted with the CONN Toolboxv18b via SPM12. Mediation of cognitive status on the relationship between CON/FPCN connectivity and UFOV performance was assessed controlling for sex, age, education, and site. Results Cognitive status fully mediated the indirect effect of CON on UFOV [b = −0.1776; 95%CI (−0.3194, −0.0684)] Figure 1, and FPCN on UFOV [b = −0.1461; 95%CI (−0.2934, −0.0342)] Figure 2. Conclusions Cognitive status accounted in part for the association between CON/FPCN connectivity and UFOV performance. Older adults with higher cognitive status had stronger functional connectivity and better UFOV performance. Future research should explore the influence of cognitive status on functional connectivity after UFOV training, and investigate which cognitive domains are most influential.

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Speed-of-Processing and Driving Simulator Training Result in Improved Driving Performance

Human Factors The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society ◽

10.1518/hfes.45.2.218.27241 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 45 (2) ◽

pp. 218-233 ◽

Cited By ~ 270

Author(s):

Daniel L. Roenker ◽

Gayla M. Cissell ◽

Karlene K. Ball ◽

Virginia G. Wadley ◽

Jerri D. Edwards

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Training Program ◽

Driving Simulator ◽

Driving Performance ◽

Low Risk ◽

Field Of View ◽

Simulator Training ◽

Speed Of Processing ◽

Useful Field Of View ◽

Speed Of Processing Training

Useful field of view, a measure of processing speed and spatial attention, can be improved with training. We evaluated the effects of this improvement on older adults' driving performance. Elderly adults participated in a speed-of-processing training program ( N = 48), a traditional driver training program performed in a driving simulator ( N = 22), or a low-risk reference group ( N = 25). Before training, immediately after training or an equivalent time delay, and after an 18-month delay each participant was evaluated in a driving simulator and completed a 14-mile (22.5-km) open-road driving evaluation. Speed-of-processing training, but not simulator training, improved a specific measure of useful field of view (UFOV®), transferred to some simulator measures, and resulted in fewer dangerous maneuvers during the driving evaluation. The simulator-trained group improved on two driving performance measures: turning into the correct lane and proper signal use. Similar effects were not observed in the speed-of-processing training or low-risk reference groups. The persistence of these effects over an 18-month test interval was also evaluated. Actual or potential applications of this research include driver assessment and/or training programs and cognitive intervention programs for older adults.

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USEFUL FIELD OF VIEW AND DRIVING SIMULATION ACROSS TWO AGE GROUPS

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.3511 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S968-S969

Author(s):

Rebecca A Dunterman ◽

Robert C Intrieri ◽

Marisa Guernsey

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Digit Span ◽

Age Groups ◽

Reaction Times ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Older Drivers ◽

Field Of View ◽

Driving Simulation ◽

Risk Scores ◽

Useful Field Of View

Abstract The Insurance Information Institute (2017) reports that drivers aged 65 and older have the second highest rate of fatal car crashes. Research with the useful field of view (UFOV) assessment has predicted crashes in older drivers (Ball, 2006). “UFOV is defined as the area from which an individual can extract information quickly without head or eye movement” (Posit Science, 2019). Research demonstrates that older drivers are limited by poorer vision, divided attention and the inability to ignore distractions, and slower reaction time to critical stimuli (Owsley et al. 1998). As a result UFOV is an effective variable in assessing driver safety. We hypothesized that older compared to younger drivers would be less likely to inhibit attention to task irrelevant visual stimuli while engaged in a simulated driving task. Participants were community dwelling older adults and students recruited from a research pool and through word of mouth. Participants completed a series of demographic and health questions, Snellen visual acuity test a series of cognitive measures (e. g., Trails 1 and 2, digit symbol, digit span) and the UFOV assessment. Participants completed a driving simulation task while information on driving performance: number of collisions, speed limit deviations, turn signal use, time spent tailgating another vehicle, and braking reaction times. ANOVA demonstrated that as hypothesized, younger participants had significantly lower UFOV risk scores (p = .000). Older adults’ (M = 2.15, SD = .945) and younger adults’ (M = 1, SD = 0).

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