Validation of the French version of the BACS (the brief assessment of cognition in schizophrenia) among 50 French schizophrenic patients

2007 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 365-370 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie-Cécile Bralet ◽  
Bruno Falissard ◽  
Xavier Neveu ◽  
Margaret Lucas-Ross ◽  
Anne-Marie Eskenazi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Correlation Analysis ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
English Language ◽  
Global Score ◽  
Motor Speed ◽  
French Version ◽  
Speed Of Information Processing ◽  
Brief Assessment ◽  
Schizophrenic Patients ◽  
Key Dimensions

AbstractSchizophrenic patients demonstrate impairments in several key dimensions of cognition. These impairments are correlated with important aspects of functional outcome. While assessment of these cognition disorders is increasingly becoming a part of clinical and research practice in schizophrenia, there is no standard and easily administered test battery. The BACS (Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia) has been validated in English language [Keefe RSE, Golberg TE, Harvey PD, Gold JM, Poe MP, Coughenour L. The Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia: reliability, sensibility, and comparison with a standard neurocognitive battery. Schizophr. Res 2004;68:283–97], and was found to be as sensitive to cognitive dysfunction as a standard battery of tests, with the advantage of requiring less than 35 min to complete. We developed a French adaptation of the BACS and this study tested its ease of administration and concurrent validity. Correlation analyses between the BACS (version A) and a standard battery were performed. A sample of 50 stable schizophrenic patients received the French Version A of the BACS in a first session, and in a second session a standard battery. All the patients completed each of the subtests of the French BACS . The mean duration of completion for the BACS French version was 36 min (S.D. = 5.56). A correlation analysis between the BACS (version A) global score and the standard battery global score showed a significant result (r = 0.81, p < 0.0001). The correlation analysis between the BACS (version A) sub-scores and the standard battery sub-scores showed significant results for verbal memory, working memory, verbal fluency, attention and speed of information processing and executive functions (p < 0.001) and for motor speed (p < 0.05). The French Version of the BACS is easier to use in French schizophrenic patients compared to a standard battery (administration shorter and completion rate better) and its good psychometric properties suggest that the French Version of the BACS may be a useful tool for assessing cognition in schizophrenic patients with French as their primary language.

Cognitive function in female patients with schizophrenia and metabolic syndrome

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S97-S97 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.C. Botis ◽  
I. Miclutia ◽  
N. Vlasin
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Cognitive Impairments ◽  
Motor Speed ◽  
Female Patients ◽  
Speed Of Information Processing ◽  
Brief Assessment ◽  
The Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionThe metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cognitive impairments, both related with poor outcomes in schizophrenia, are common in patients with this disorder. MetS has been associated with cognitive impairments in schizophrenia, but there is no general consensus regarding the description of various domains of neurocognition in patients with schizophrenia related to MetS.ObjectivesThe goal of this study was to assess cognitive functions in female patients with schizophrenia complicated by metabolic syndrome compared to those with schizophrenia without metabolic syndrome.MethodsFifty-four female patients diagnosed with schizophrenia were divided into two groups: MetS group (MetS+) and non-MetS group (MetS−). Cognitive functioning were investigated using the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS).ResultsTwenty-seven (52%) patients with schizophrenia met criteria for the MetS diagnosis. Mean age of patients was 40.80. Patients from MetS+ group performed significantly worse on verbal memory (P = 0.005), executive functions (P = 0.028) and motor speed (P = 0.035) as compared to MetS− group. Patients with schizophrenia who were hypertensive showed cognitive impairments in 2 domains of cognition: attention and speed of information processing (P = 0.004) and verbal fluency (P = 0.001). Patients with hypertriglyceridemia performed significantly worse on verbal memory (P = 0.005). Motor speed was associated with waist circumference (P = 0.02).ConclusionsAt a mean age of 40 years old, female patients with schizophrenia and metabolic syndrome show difficulties in more domains of cognitive function compared to female patients with schizophrenia without metabolic syndrome. Our findings suggest a link between cognition and metabolic syndrome in female patients with schizophrenia.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Empirical evidence for discrete neurocognitive subgroups in patients with non-psychotic major depressive disorder: clinical implications

2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (16) ◽  
pp. 2717-2729 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shenghong Pu ◽  
Takamasa Noda ◽  
Shiori Setoyama ◽  
Kazuyuki Nakagome
Keyword(s):  
Major Depressive Disorder ◽  
Depressive Disorder ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Hierarchical Cluster ◽  
Motor Speed ◽  
Information Processing Speed ◽  
Major Depressive ◽  
Brief Assessment ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Mild Impairment

AbstractBackgroundNeuropsychological deficits are present across various cognitive domains in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, a consistent and specific profile of neuropsychological abnormalities has not yet been established.MethodsWe assessed cognition in 170 patients with non-psychotic MDD using the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia and the scores were compared with those of 42 patients with schizophrenia as a reference for severity of cognitive impairment. Hierarchical cluster analysis was conducted to determine whether there are discrete neurocognitive subgroups in MDD. We then compared the subgroups in terms of several clinical factors and social functioning.ResultsThree distinct neurocognitive subgroups were found: (1) a mild impairment subgroup with near-normative performance and mild dysfunction in motor speed; (2) a selective impairment subgroup, which exhibited preserved working memory and executive function, but moderate to severe deficits in verbal memory, motor speed, verbal fluency, and attention/information processing speed; and (3) a global impairment subgroup with moderate to severe deficits across all neurocognitive domains, comparable with deficits in schizophrenia. The global impairment subgroup was characterized by lower pre-morbid intelligence quotient (IQ). Moreover, a significant difference between groups was observed in premorbid IQ (p= 0.003), antidepressant dose (p= 0.043), antipsychotic dose (p= 0.013), or anxiolytic dose (p< 0.001).ConclusionsThese results suggest the presence of multiple neurocognitive subgroups in non-psychotic MDD with unique profiles, one of which exhibits deficits comparable to those of schizophrenia. The results of the present study may help guide future efforts to target these disabling symptoms using different treatments.

scholarly journals M54. ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN MUSICAL ABILITY SUBSCALE PERFORMANCE, PSYCHIATRIC SYMPTOMS, AND COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING IN SCHIZOPHRENIA

2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S154-S155
Author(s):  
Yoshiki Akagawa ◽  
William Honer ◽  
Ken Sawada
Keyword(s):  
Processing Speed ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Negative Symptoms ◽  
Psychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Musical Ability ◽  
Motor Speed ◽  
Word Fluency ◽  
Brief Assessment ◽  
Musical Memory

Abstract Background Several studies showed that patients with schizophrenia have a lower musical ability that correlates with poorer cognitive functions and severer negative symptoms. Despite the strong relevance of musical ability to cognitive functions and psychiatric symptoms, little is known about the correlation of each subscale of musical ability to cognitive functions and psychiatric symptoms. Therefore, we sought to analyze the correlations of the subtests of musical ability to cognitive functions and psychiatric symptoms. Methods Sixty-four patients with schizophrenia (36 males, mean age = 48.6 ± 10.9 years old) and 80 healthy control subjects (44 males, mean age = 45.3 ± 12.3 years old) consented to participate. We measured musical ability, cognitive functions, and symptom severity using the Montreal Battery for Evaluation of Amusia (MBEA), Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS), and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), respectively. MBEA subscales include melody discrimination, rhythm discrimination, and musical memory. BACS subscales are comprised of verbal memory, working memory, motor speed, word fluency, attention/processing speed, and executive function. We used the Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. For the BACS six subscales, and the three musical subscales, we considered p &lt; 0.00278 to be significant (18 tests), and for PANSS three symptom subscale scores and three musical subscales, we considered p &lt; 0.0056 to be significant (9 tests). Results All musical subscale scores of patients were significantly lower than controls. Lower musical ability subscales were correlated with lower cognitive functions in both healthy controls and patients. In schizophrenia, as previously reported, there were associations between lower musical ability subscales, lower cognitive functions, and more severe psychiatric symptoms. In patients with schizophrenia, while melody discrimination was not correlated with cognitive functions, rhythm discrimination was correlated with verbal memory (beta = 0.378, SE= 0.010, t = 3.42, p = 0.0012) and attention/processing speed (beta = 0.433, SE= 0.013, t = 3.20, p = 0.0022) adjusted for age, gender, and years of musical education. PANSS negative symptoms were correlated with melody discrimination (beta = 0.346, SE= 0.051, t = -2.82, p = 0.0066) and rhythm discrimination (beta = 0.3259, SE= 0.045, t = -2.88, p = 0.0056), but not musical memory. Discussion This study revealed an association between performance on rhythm discrimination and both verbal memory and word fluency. Furthermore, more severe negative symptoms were associated with lower abilities in melody and rhythm discrimination. Rhythm discrimination could be associated with language disturbances, possibly providing a new insight into the language and musical deficits contributing to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.

scholarly journals Longitudinal Improvement of Neurocognition after Electroconvulsive Therapy in Bipolar Depression

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Tomosuke Nakano ◽  
Eishi Motomura ◽  
Toshiki Hasegawa ◽  
Yasuhiro Kawano ◽  
Motohiro Okada
Keyword(s):  
Electroconvulsive Therapy ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Verbal Fluency ◽  
Bipolar Depression ◽  
Japanese Version ◽  
Large Sample Size ◽  
Motor Speed ◽  
Treatment Resistant ◽  
Brief Assessment ◽  
Longitudinal Effects

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is applied to treatment-resistant mood disorders. Its therapeutic effect on neurocognition remains unclear. We report the case of a 55-year-old man with treatment-resistant bipolar depression who underwent ECT series. We longitudinally monitored his neurocognition with the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia-Japanese version (BACS-J). The patient’s scores on all of the BACS-J domains except working memory recovered after the ECT series. Interestingly, his verbal memory, motor speed, and executive function recovered 1 month after ECT, whereas his verbal fluency and attention scores recovered approx. 1 year after ECT. The BACS can be useful for monitoring ECT’s longitudinal effects on individuals’ cognitive recovery. Further studies with a large sample size are needed to confirm our present findings.

Neuropsychological deficits in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome

2004 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 278-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
KIM BUSICHIO ◽  
LANA A. TIERSKY ◽  
JOHN DELUCA ◽  
BENJAMIN H. NATELSON
Keyword(s):  
Information Processing ◽  
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Chronic Fatigue ◽  
Case Definition ◽  
Motor Speed ◽  
Neuropsychological Dysfunction ◽  
Speed Of Information Processing ◽  
Fatigue Syndrome ◽  
Healthy Control

The degree of neuropsychological dysfunction across multiple domains was examined in individuals suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). In this descriptive study, a similar series of neuropsychological tests was administered to a group of CFS patients and healthy participants. More specifically, CFS patients (n = 141) who met the 1994 Case Definition criteria were compared to 76 healthy control participants on tests of memory, attention (concentration), speed of information processing, motor speed, and executive functioning. On the 18 measures administered, CFS patients scored 1 standard deviation below the healthy mean on nine measures and scored 2 standard deviations below the healthy mean on four of the measures. Moreover, results indicated that CFS patients were more likely than healthy controls to fail (1.6 SD below the healthy mean) at least one test in each of the following domains: attention, speed of information processing, and motor speed, but not on measures of memory and executive functioning. Finally, CFS patients demonstrated a greater total number of tests failed across domains. (JINS, 2004, 10, 278–285.)

scholarly journals Cognitive impact in bipolar disorder

2019 ◽  
pp. 052-058
Author(s):  
Bourin Michel
Keyword(s):  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Visual Memory ◽  
Age Of Onset ◽  
Cognitive Difficulties ◽  
Speed Of Information Processing ◽  
History Of ◽  
Bipolar Patients ◽  
Disability Severity ◽  
Depressive Episodes

It appears that bipolar patients suffer from cognitive difficulties whereas they are in period of thymic stability. These intercritical cognitive difficulties are fairly stable and their severity is correlated with the functional outcome of patients. Nevertheless, the profile of cognitive impairment varies significantly from study to study quantitatively and qualitatively. According to the studies, the authors find difficulties in terms of learning, verbal memory, visual memory, working memory, sustained attention, speed of information processing, functions executive. On the other hand, deficits of general intelligence, motor functions, selective attention, and language are not usually found. One of the reasons for the heterogeneity of results is the difficulty of exploring cognition in bipolar disorder. Many factors must be taken into account, such as the presence of residual mood symptoms, the longitudinal history of the disorder (age of onset, number of episodes due, among others, the neurotoxic impact of depressive episodes and deleterious cognitive effects). (length of hospitalization), level of disability severity, comorbidities (particularly addictive).

Simultaneous and Successive Syntheses: A Factor Analysis of Speed of Information Processing

1978 ◽  
Vol 46 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1167-1172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald F. Jarman ◽  
Larry W. Krywaniuk
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Cognitive Processing ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Motor Speed ◽  
Parallel Processes ◽  
Speed Of Information Processing ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Grade 3 ◽  
Cognitive Processing Speed

A set of tasks was devised to measure different types of speed of information processing. These tasks were administered to a sample of 87 children in Grade 3, and the data were factor analyzed. The results indicated three factors, which were interpreted as simultaneous and successive cognitive processing speed and motor speed. The significance of these results was discussed in terms of current research on human abilities and serial and parallel processes.

scholarly journals B-44 An Examination of Balance Measurements in Predicting Post-Concussion Neurocognitive Dysfunction

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 990-990
Author(s):  
A DaCosta ◽  
A Crane ◽  
M Fasciana ◽  
A LoGalbo
Keyword(s):  
Reaction Time ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Visual Memory ◽  
Clinical Utility ◽  
Collegiate Athletes ◽  
Motor Speed ◽  
Balance Performance ◽  
Neurocognitive Dysfunction ◽  
Balance Deficits ◽  
Visual Motor

Abstract Objective Previous research indicates that athletes experiencing concussions demonstrate acute balance deficits (Guskiewicz, 2011). Although it is hypothesized that balance performance is related to neurocognitive function in athletes experiencing a concussion (Guskiewicz, Ross, & Marshall, 2001; Broglio, Sosnoff, Ferrara, 2009), limited research exists regarding the clinical utility of baseline measures. Method 68 collegiate athletes (ages 18-23; M = 19.62, SD = 1.44) were evaluated using the Balance error scoring system (BESS) and ImPACT at baseline and post-concussion. Multiple linear regressions were used to determine how BESS performance change across evaluations predicted post-concussion neurocognitive dysfunction compared to post-concussion performance alone. Results BESS performance changes from baseline to post-concussion significantly predicted post-concussion Verbal Memory (R² = .06, p = .05), Visual Memory (R² = .135, p = .002), Visual-Motor Speed (R² = .146, p = .001), Reaction Time (R² = .156, p = .001), and Total Symptom Scores (R² = .112, p = .005); while post-concussion BESS scores predicted Visual Memory (R² = .138, p = .002), Visual-Motor Speed (R² = .137, p = .002), and Reaction Time (R² = .145, p = .001). Therefore, assessing change in BESS performance is a more comprehensive predictor of neurocognitive dysfunction than solely post-concussion BESS performance. Conclusions Changes in BESS performance from baseline to post-concussion was found to be a more comprehensive predictor of neurocognitive dysfunction than post-concussion BESS scores alone. Therefore, our results support the clinical utility of evaluating balance at pre-participation to better understand neurocognitive risk factors.

scholarly journals Association between Shift Work and Neurocognitive Function among Firefighters in South Korea: A Prospective before–after Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (13) ◽  
pp. 4647 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyeongmin Kwak ◽  
Bong-Kyu Kim ◽  
Tae-Won Jang ◽  
Chang Sun Sim ◽  
Yeon-Soon Ahn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Korea ◽  
Shift Work ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Visual Memory ◽  
Night Shift ◽  
Neurocognitive Function ◽  
Night Work ◽  
Motor Speed ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Fire Stations

Background: Recent research indicates that shift work is associated with neurocognitive function. However, studies that examine the association between shift work and neurocognitive function in firefighters have not yet been performed. We examined the effect of shift work on neurocognitive function in firefighters by measuring and comparing neurocognitive function before and after night shift. Methods: 352 firefighters from eight fire stations in South Korea were included in this study. We performed neurocognitive function test using central nervous system vital signs (CNSVS) during daytime work and on the next day after night work. We performed paired t-tests to assess differences between neurocognitive function before and after night work. We also compared neurocognitive function in insomnia and depression. We used a general linear model to analyze the associations between shiftwork schedule and the changes in neurocognitive function. Results: The neurocognitive function significantly decreased in six domains (composite memory, verbal memory, visual memory, complex attention, psychomotor speed, and motor speed) as did the neurocognitive index on the next day after night work compared with during day work. These decreased domains were the same following night work regardless of the type of shift work. Conclusion: Night work in firefighters may cause neurocognitive decline.

Identifying key dimensions of language and cultural disadvantage at University

2002 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Borland ◽  
Amanda Pearce
Keyword(s):  
English Language ◽  
Life Experience ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Student Population ◽  
English Language Acquisition ◽  
University Policy ◽  
Linguistic Groups ◽  
Key Dimensions ◽  
Current Student ◽  
The Uk

Abstract One of the challenges for English language medium universities today is their increasingly globalised student population, as students from around the globe join the members of existing resident ethnic and linguistic groups who have been accessing tertiary education in increasing numbers. In this context it is of growing importance for university policy makers and program developers to be able to identify and assist students who may be experiencing educational disadvantage associated with language and/or cultural factors. In identifying such students and reporting on their educational outcomes a range of terms are used. In the Australian context the term NESB (Non English Speaking Background) has had wide currency. In North America and the UK terms such students have been referred to more commonly as ethnic minority or ESL/EFL students. These broad categorisations are characterised by either partial or indirect focus on the underlying factors that affect students’ success. In this paper we will argue that such students’ academic needs and potential difficulties are best understood by focusing on particular parameters of two key dimensions of their life experience: English language acquisition history and cultural experience. Using some contrasting case studies from among the current student population at one university in Australia, we will illustrate how these dimensions enable us to conceptualise the broad range of experiences of university of these NESB students. We will demonstrate that designing support which effectively targets disadvantage of very different kinds entails a more sophisticated analysis of the sources of student difficulty than categorisations based only on years of schooling or length of residence in the country concerned.

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