Markers of low-grade inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are related to reduced information processing speed and executive functioning in an older population – the Hoorn Study

2014 ◽  
Vol 40 ◽  
pp. 108-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.M. Heringa ◽  
E. van den Berg ◽  
Y.D. Reijmer ◽  
G. Nijpels ◽  
C.D.A. Stehouwer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Information Processing ◽  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Information Processing Speed ◽  
Older Population ◽  
Low Grade Inflammation

scholarly journals The Reliability and Validity of the Action Fluency Test in Healthy College Students

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (7) ◽  
pp. 1175-1191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas P Ross ◽  
Sydne O’Connor ◽  
Graham Holmes ◽  
Brittany Fuller ◽  
Megan Henrich
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Convergent Validity ◽  
Reliability And Validity ◽  
Information Processing Speed ◽  
Perceptual Reasoning ◽  
Fluency Test

Abstract Objective This study examined the test–retest reliability and construct validity of the Action Fluency Test (AFT) as a measure of executive functioning. Method Using a correlational design, 128 healthy college students (M Age = 19.24, SD = 2.01; M education = 13.29 years, SD = 0.81) completed the AFT, and measures of verbal and figural fluency, executive functioning and other relevant constructs (e.g., vocabulary, working memory, and attention). Results Coefficients of stability were acceptable for AFT correct words (r = .76; p < .01), but not for errors (r = .41) or perseverations (r = .14). No practice effects were observed upon repeat testing (M interval = 39.21 days). Divergent validity evidence was mixed. AFT scores were unrelated to working memory and perceptual-reasoning abilities; however, correlations with vocabulary (r = .32; p < .01) and information-processing speed (r = .30; p < .01) were greater than associations between AFT scores and executive measures. Regarding convergent validity, AFT scores correlated with other fluency tasks (r = .4 range), but correlations with measures of executive functioning were absent or small. Action and letter fluency correlated with measures of attentional control and inhibition; however, these associations were no longer significant after controlling for shared variance with information-processing speed. Conclusions Findings are consistent with previous research suggesting vocabulary and information-processing speed underlie effective fluency performance to a greater extent than executive functioning. The AFT measures unique variance not accounted for by semantic and letter fluency tasks, and therefore may be used for a variety of research and clinical purposes.

scholarly journals Stroop performance in multiple sclerosis: Information processing, selective attention, or executive functioning?

2008 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 805-814 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.A.B. MACNIVEN ◽  
C. DAVIS ◽  
M.-Y. HO ◽  
C.M. BRADSHAW ◽  
E. SZABADI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Patient Group ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
Stroop Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Information Processing Speed ◽  
Impaired Performance

Cognitive impairments in information processing speed, attention and executive functioning are widely reported in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Several studies have identified impaired performance on the Stroop test in people with MS, yet uncertainty remains over the cause of this phenomenon. In this study, 25 patients with MS were assessed with a neuropsychological test battery including a computerized Stroop test and a computerized test of information processing speed, the Graded Conditional Discrimination Tasks (GCDT). The patient group was compared with an individually age, sex and estimated premorbid IQ-matched healthy control group. The patients' reaction times (RTs) were significantly longer than those of the controls on all Stroop test trials and there was a significantly enhanced absolute (RTincongruent-RTneutral) and relative (100·[RTincongruent-RTneutral]/RTneutral) Stroop interference effect for the MS group. The linear function relating RT to stimulus complexity in the GCDT was significantly steeper in the patient group, indicating slowed information processing. The results are discussed with reference to the difference engine model, a theory of diversity in speeded cognition. It is concluded that, in the assessment of people with MS, great caution must be used in the interpretation of performance on neuropsychological tests which rely on RT as the primary measure. (JINS, 2008, 14, 805–814.)

scholarly journals The relation of depression with structural brain abnormalities and cognitive functioning: the Maastricht study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Anouk F. J. Geraets ◽  
Miranda T. Schram ◽  
Jacobus F. A. Jansen ◽  
Annemarie Koster ◽  
Pieter C. Dagnelie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Brain Atrophy ◽  
Information Processing Speed

Abstract Background Individuals with depression often experience widespread and persistent cognitive deficits, which might be due to brain atrophy and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). We therefore studied the associations between depression, markers of brain atrophy and CSVD, and cognitive functioning. Methods We used cross-sectional data from the population-based Maastricht study (n = 4734; mean age 59.1 ± 8.6 years, 50.2% women), which focuses on type 2 diabetes. A current episode of major depressive disorder (MDD, n = 151) was assessed by the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Volumes of cerebral spinal fluid, white matter, gray matter and white matter hyperintensities, presence of lacunar infarcts and cerebral microbleeds, and total CSVD burden were assessed by 3 T magnetic resonance imaging. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses tested the associations between MDD, brain markers and cognitive functioning in memory, information processing speed, and executive functioning & attention, and presence of cognitive impairment. Structural equation modeling was used to test mediation. Results In fully adjusted models, MDD was associated with lower scores in information processing speed [mean difference = −0.18(−0.28;−0.08)], executive functioning & attention [mean difference = −0.13(−0.25;−0.02)], and with higher odds of cognitive impairment [odds ratio (OR) = 1.60(1.06;2.40)]. MDD was associated with CSVD in participants without type 2 diabetes [OR = 1.65(1.06;2.56)], but CSVD or other markers of brain atrophy or CSVD did not mediate the association with cognitive functioning. Conclusions MDD is associated with more impaired information processing speed and executive functioning & attention, and overall cognitive impairment. Furthermore, MDD was associated with CSVD in participants without type 2 diabetes, but this association did not explain an impaired cognitive profile.

scholarly journals Cognitive functioning in patients with classical galactosemia: a systematic review

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Merel E. Hermans ◽  
Mendy M. Welsink-Karssies ◽  
Annet M. Bosch ◽  
Kim J. Oostrom ◽  
Gert J. Geurtsen
Keyword(s):  
Information Processing ◽  
Social Cognition ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Cognitive Impairments ◽  
Information Processing Speed ◽  
Classical Galactosemia ◽  
Cognitive Domains ◽  
Attention Memory

Abstract Background Patients with the metabolic disorder classical galactosemia suffer from long-term complications despite a galactose-restricted diet, including a below average intelligence level. The aim of the current review was to investigate the incidence and profile of cognitive impairments in patients with classical galactosemia. Method MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsychINFO were searched up to 23 October 2018 for studies examining information processing speed, attention, memory, language, visuospatial functioning, executive functioning and social cognition in patients with confirmed classical galactosemia utilizing standardized neuropsychological tests. Data synthesis followed a narrative approach, since the planned meta-analysis was not possible due to large variability between the neuropsychological assessments. Results Eleven studies were included, including case-studies. The quality of most studies was moderate to low. As a group, patients with classical galactosemia exhibit below average to low scores on all cognitive domains. A large proportion of the patients perform on an impaired level on attention, memory and vocabulary. Evidence for impairments in information processing speed, language, visuospatial functioning and aspects of executive functioning was limited due to the small number of studies investigating these cognitive functions. Social cognition was not examined at all. Conclusions Given the moderate to low quality of the included studies and the limited evidence in many cognitive domains, the incidence of cognitive impairment in patients with classical galactosemia is not yet clear. Both clinicians and researchers encountering patients with classical galactosemia need to be aware of possible cognitive impairments. Future well-designed studies are needed to determine the cognitive profile of classical galactosemia. This can be the basis for the development of intervention strategies.

The trajectory of cognitive decline in the pre-dementia phase in memory clinic visitors: findings from the 4C-MCI study

2014 ◽  
Vol 45 (7) ◽  
pp. 1509-1519 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Hamel ◽  
S. Köhler ◽  
N. Sistermans ◽  
T. Koene ◽  
Y. Pijnenburg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Information Processing ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Verbal Fluency ◽  
Memory Clinic ◽  
Information Processing Speed ◽  
Memory Decline ◽  
Memory Clinics

BackgroundWe investigated the course of decline in multiple cognitive domains in non-demented subjects from a memory clinic setting, and compared pattern, onset and magnitude of decline between subjects who progressed to Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia at follow-up and subjects who did not progress.MethodIn this retrospective cohort study 819 consecutive non-demented patients who visited the memory clinics in Maastricht or Amsterdam between 1987 and 2010 were followed until they became demented or for a maximum of 10 years (range 0.5–10 years). Differences in trajectories of episodic memory, executive functioning, verbal fluency, and information processing speed/attention between converters to AD dementia and subjects remaining non-demented were compared by means of random effects modelling.ResultsThe cognitive performance of converters and non-converters could already be differentiated seven (episodic memory) to three (verbal fluency and executive functioning) years prior to dementia diagnosis. Converters declined in these three domains, while non-converters remained stable on episodic memory and executive functioning and showed modest decline in verbal fluency. There was no evidence of decline in information processing speed/attention in either group.ConclusionsDifferences in cognitive performance between converters to AD dementia and subjects remaining non-demented could be established 7 years prior to diagnosis for episodic memory, with verbal fluency and executive functioning following several years later. Therefore, in addition to early episodic memory decline, decline in executive functions may also flag incident AD dementia. By contrast, change in information processing speed/attention seems less informative.

The Inflammation Network in the Pathogenesis of Erectile Dysfunction: Attractive Potential Therapeutic Targets

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (32) ◽  
pp. 3955-3972
Author(s):  
Ecem Kaya-Sezginer ◽  
Serap Gur
Keyword(s):  
Erectile Dysfunction ◽  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Inflammatory Marker ◽  
Attractive Potential ◽  
Common Denominator ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Antiinflammatory Drugs ◽  
Male Population ◽  
Low Grade Inflammation

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an evolving health problem in the aging male population. Chronic low-grade inflammation is a critical component of ED pathogenesis and a probable intermediate stage of endothelial dysfunction, especially in metabolic diseases, with the inclusion of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. Objective: This review will present an overview of preclinical and clinical data regarding common inflammatory mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of ED associated with metabolic diseases and the effect of antiinflammatory drugs on ED. Methods: A literature search of existing pre-clinical and clinical studies was performed on databases [Pubmed (MEDLINE), Scopus, and Embase] from January 2000 to October 2019. Results: Low-grade inflammation is a possible pathological role in endothelial dysfunction as a consequence of ED and other related metabolic diseases. Increased inflammation and endothelial/prothrombotic markers can be associated with the presence and degree of ED. Pharmacological therapy and modification of lifestyle and risk factors may have a significant role in the recovery of erectile response through reduction of inflammatory marker levels. Conclusion: Inflammation is the least common denominator in the pathology of ED and metabolic disorders. The inflammatory process of ED includes a shift in the complex interactions of cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules. These data have established that anti-inflammatory agents could be used as a therapeutic opportunity in the prevention and treatment of ED. Further research on inflammation-related mechanisms underlying ED and the effect of therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing inflammation is required for a better understanding of the pathogenesis and successful management of ED.

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