Defining Cognitive Changes in Depression and Anxiety: a Psychobiological Analysis

SummaryWhile it is generally assumed that pathological anxiety states are associated with impaired cognition, surprisingly few studies have formally tested this theory. This is in marked contrast to the study of cognition in depression, where specific cognitive deficits have been delineated. A conceptual framework for the study of cognition. which we have previously utilized in studying the psychobiology of cognitive failure, may facilitate the study of cognition in pathological anxiety States. We propose that memory is not a unitary process; rather, it is composed of several psychobiologically distinct components, which may be specifically disrupted or spared. This differentiated approach to the study of cognition permits the comparison of disease or drug effects on specific cognitive processes and may allow a mapping of individual processes onto specific psychobiological determinants. In this framework, change in cognitive performance may be related to alterations in “intrinsic” cognitive processes or noncognitive “intrinsic” processes. “Intrinsic” processes include the memory of specific biographical or contextually-related recent events (episodic memory) and the memory of previously acquired knowledge, language, procedures and rules (knowledge memory) Processes that require effort and cognitive capacity and those that can be performed more automatically may characterize “intrinsic” memory function. “Extrinsic” modulatory processes include mood, sensitivity to reinforcement,arousal/activation, and sensorimotor capabilities. Findings in patients with depression, Alzheimer's disease and Korsakoff's disease, as well as findings in individuals who have received benzodiazapines, anticholnergic medications, or corticosteroids highlight the utility of this framework and support the notion that these component processes of memory are psychobiologically distinct. Memory-testing paradigms based on this framework may further our knowledge of the specific cognitive alterations that are associated with States of pathological anxiety.

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Homo Informaticus

Examining the Informing View of Organization - Advances in Logistics, Operations, and Management Science ◽

10.4018/978-1-4666-5986-5.ch002 ◽

2014 ◽

pp. 34-66

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Learning Styles ◽

Cognitive Processes ◽

Information Needs ◽

Historical Context ◽

Cognitive Limitations ◽

External Data ◽

The Individual ◽

Learning Types ◽

Knowledge Memory

This chapter discusses the concept of homo informaticus—the individual organization member framed in the IVO perspective. Homo informaticus is a cognitive microcosm that performs complex cognitive processes, engages in decision making and satisfying of informing needs, and designs and evaluates information systems (IS). Discussed are cognitive processes of thinking, feeling, perceiving, memorizing/memory recalling, and learning. These cognitive processes are involved in the fundamental informing process that starts with perception of external data, continues with applying knowledge to data, and ends with inferring information (meaning). The perspective of key cognitive processes enriches the informing model: perception is driven by previous knowledge, memory retrieval is engaged, and thinking is an overall driver, engaging both ratio and emotions. The discussion addresses cognitive limitations. Memory is limited in volume and content, perception is prone to illusions, and thinking is susceptible to biases. These limitations influence the outcomes of informing (information created) and learning (knowledge acquired). Decision making is affected as well, as indicated in its various models that reveal non-rational aspects. It is argued that homo informaticus is subject to informing (information) needs and actively seeks to satisfy them. Several models addressing this topic are examined. The chapter also covers cognitive and learning types that can be used for understanding the diversity characterizing homo informaticus. Karl Jung's typology is coupled with the dimensions of data scope, location, and processing mode. Kolb's learning styles are discussed in turn. Furthermore, the system evaluation capability of homo informaticus is demonstrated in the context of system adoption models. Finally, the system design capability is discussed in the historical context of Scandinavian experience.

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Longitudinal Relations Between Self-Defining Memories and Self-Esteem: Mediating Roles of Meaning-Making and Memory Function

Imagination Cognition and Personality ◽

10.1177/0276236617733840 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 37 (3) ◽

pp. 318-341 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Hsiao-Wen Liao ◽

Susan Bluck ◽

Gerben J. Westerhof

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Processes ◽

Social Cognitive ◽

Life Story ◽

Meaning Making ◽

Longitudinal Design ◽

Memory Function ◽

Self Regulation ◽

Self Esteem ◽

Adult Lifespan ◽

Social Cognitive Processes

The present study examines Hsiao-Wen Liao is now at the Department of Psychology, Stanford University, CA, USA. the role of self-defining memories in predicting self-esteem using a 1-year longitudinal design with an adult lifespan sample ( N = 1,216; age range 18–92; Mage = 49.52; SDage = 17.25). The interplay between narrators’ personality at the life story level and two social-cognitive processes, meaning-making and functional memory use, is investigated. Participants provided three self-defining memories, and their personality positivity was assessed in terms of the ratio of positive-to-all memories. Memory narratives were reliably coded for meaning-making, and participants reported the extent to which they use each remembered event to serve adaptive functions. One year later, participants completed a measure of self-esteem. Personality positivity at Time 1 predicts greater self-esteem at Time 2. The effect of personality positivity occurs, however, completely through creating positive meaning and using memories functionally. The findings contribute to the literature on narrative identity and autobiographical memory by delineating how memory processes relate to self-regulation over time. The relative roles of personality and social-cognitive processes in autobiographical narratives in linking to self-esteem are discussed.

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How to Optimize Learning From Animated Models: A Review of Guidelines Based on Cognitive Load

Review of Educational Research ◽

10.3102/0034654308320320 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 78 (3) ◽

pp. 645-675 ◽

Cited By ~ 112

Author(s):

Pieter Wouters ◽

Fred Paas ◽

Jeroen J. G. van Merriënboer

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Load ◽

Cognitive Processes ◽

Subject Matter ◽

Instructional Method ◽

Design Guidelines ◽

Cognitive Capacity ◽

Pedagogical Agent ◽

Integrative Framework

Animated models explicate the procedure to solve a problem, as well as the rationale behind this procedure. For abstract cognitive processes, animations might be beneficial, especially when a supportive pedagogical agent provides explanations. This article argues that animated models can be an effective instructional method, provided that they are designed in such a way that cognitive capacity is optimally employed. This review proposes three sets of design guidelines based on cognitive load research: The first aims at managing the complexity of subject matter. The second focuses on preventing activities (attributed to poor design) that obstruct learning. The last incites learners to engage in the active and relevant processing of subject matter. Finally, an integrative framework is presented for designing effective animated models.

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Vestibular contribution to memory processing

Auditory and Vestibular Research ◽

10.18502/avr.v28i2.860 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Abdollah Moossavi ◽

Meymaneh Jafari

Keyword(s):

Postural Control ◽

Cognitive Processes ◽

Vestibular System ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Memory Function ◽

Emotional Disturbances ◽

Laboratory Findings ◽

Memory Processing ◽

Sensory Inputs ◽

Memory Representations

Background and Aim: The vestibular system contributes in the stabilization of the head and body, orientation, and gazing through the processing of sensory inputs. A wealth of evidence supports the involvement of vestibular information in higher functions, too.Methods: In this paper, we reviewed the previous studies on the effect of the vestibular system on memory as one of the cognitive functions.Results: Clinical and laboratory findings indicate the association of vestibular inputs (besides postural control and oculomotor) with a variety of higher functions, especially memory function. Because part of the memory function is determined by other cognitive processes i.e. attention capacity, emotional disturbances, and executive functions, the study of the effect of vestibular inputs on these functions provides a more accurate view of how the vestibular inputs affect memory performance.Conclusion: Although our current knowledge on vestibular-memory interaction is increasing, the exact involvement of vestibular signals in memory representations is still unclear and needs further studies to determine the theoretical basis of vestibular involvement in memory processing.

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Análise comparativa da capacidade funcional e cognitiva de idosos em uma unidade de referência geriátrica na cidade de Salvador - Bahia

Revista de Ciências Médicas e Biológicas ◽

10.9771/cmbio.v11i2.6678 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 163 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Igor De Matos Pinheiro ◽

Ana Luiza Azevedo do Vale ◽

Fábio Santos de Jesus ◽

Crésio De Aragão Dantas Alves

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Length Of Stay ◽

Medical Records ◽

The Elderly ◽

Cognitive Capacity ◽

Degenerative Diseases ◽

Font Size ◽

Rehabilitation Unit ◽

Cognitive Changes ◽

Cross Sectional

Introdução: O processo do envelhecimento associado às doenças crônico-degenerativas conduz ao declínio funcional e/ou cognitivo, resultando em redução da qualidade de vida e diminuição da autonomia e independência. Objetivo: Comparar a capacidade funcional e cognitiva de idosos em uma unidade de reabilitação geriátrica na cidade de Salvador-Bahia. Metodologia: Estudo observacional descritivo de corte transversal, utilizando análise de prontuários. Foram selecionados os prontuários de indivíduos idosos internados na Unidade de Reabilitação do Centro Geriátrico das Obras Sociais Irmã Dulce, entre janeiro e dezembro de 2011. Dados coletados: sociodemográficos, tempo de internação, diagnóstico clínico, escores do Índice de Barthel Modificado (IBM) e do Mini-Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM), na admissão e alta hospitalar. Resultados: 38 prontuários preencheram os critérios de inclusão. 73,68% dos pacientes eram do sexo masculino. A idade variou de 62 a 94 anos e o tempo de internação de 34 a 179 dias. As patologias mais prevalentes foram: hipertensão arterial (68,42%), acidente vascular cerebral (57,89%), restrição de mobilidade (42,10%), incontinência dupla (28,94%), diabetes mellitus (23,98%) e demência vascular (21,05%). As alterações observadas nos escores do IBM não modificaram os níveis funcionais dos idosos. Alterações cognitivas foram observadas em 81,57% na admissão e 63,15% na alta hospitalar. Apenas indivíduos com 1 a 3 anos de escolaridade modificaram os níveis de cognição. Conclusão: O processo do envelhecimento associado às doenças crônico-degenerativas influencia na funcionalidade e cognição da população estudada. Os resultados forneceram elementos para estabelecimento de objetivos e planos terapêuticos que favoreçam a reabilitação do idoso. Abstract Introduction: The aging process associated with chronic degenerative diseases leads to functional decline and/or cognitive impairment resulting in reduced quality of life and decreased autonomy and independence. Objective: To compare the functional and cognitive capacity of elderly in a geriatric rehabilitation unit in the city of Salvador, Bahia. Methodology: This is an observational descriptive cross-sectional analysis using medical records. The medical records of elderly patients admitted in the Rehabilitation Unit of the Geriatric Center of Obras Sociais Irmã Dulce were selected from January to December 2011. The charts were evaluated for sociodemographic, length of stay, clinical diagnosis, scores of the Modified Barthel Index (MBI) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) on admission and discharge. Results: A total of 38 records met the inclusion criteria. 73.68% of the patients were male. The age ranged from 62 to 94 years and length of stay from 34 to 179 days. The most prevalent diseases were hypertension (68.42%), stroke (57.89%), restriction of mobility (42.10%), double incontinence (28.94%), diabetes mellitus (23.98 %) and vascular dementia (21.05%). The observed changes in the MBI scores did not change the functional levels of the elderly. Cognitive changes were observed in 81.57% on admission and 63.15% on discharge. Only individuals with 1-3 years of education changed levels of cognition. Conclusion: The process of aging associated with chronic degenerative diseases influences on the functionality and cognition of the studied population. The results provided evidence for the establishment of goals and treatment plans that promote the rehabilitation of the elderly.

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Busy at Work and Absent-Minded at Home

Swiss Journal of Psychology ◽

10.1024/1421-0185/a000114 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 72 (4) ◽

pp. 219-228 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Achim Elfering ◽

Simone Grebner ◽

Coralie Boillat

Keyword(s):

Structural Equation ◽

Memory Function ◽

Work Demands ◽

Action Execution ◽

Mental Work ◽

Body Balance ◽

Work Related ◽

Cognitive Failure ◽

Balance Problems ◽

At Home

This study investigates whether cognitive failures mediate the potential influence of work demands and conscientiousness on body balance problems and domestic near-falls at home after work. The participants were 109 employees (55% female). We used the Workplace Cognitive Failure Scale (WCFS) to measure the frequency of failure in memory function, failure in attention regulation, and failure in action execution. Performance constraints, time pressure, and concentration demands were assessed by the Instrument for Stress-Oriented Task Analysis (ISTA). In a structural equation model, work-related cognitive failure significantly mediated the influence of work demands on after-work domestic body balance problems encountered in the previous 4 weeks. Work-related cognitive failure did not mediate the directional link between conscientiousness and body balance problems. Mental work demands have aftereffects after work is finished. The risk of domestic fall is due in part to cognitive failure that reflects cognitive strain from mental workload. Work redesign is likely to reduce the risk of falling not only at work, but also after work at home.

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The theoretical implications of joint-attention deficits in autism

Development and Psychopathology ◽

10.1017/s0954579400000365 ◽

1989 ◽

Vol 1 (3) ◽

pp. 173-183 ◽

Cited By ~ 114

Author(s):

Peter Mundy ◽

Marian Sigman

Keyword(s):

Joint Attention ◽

Cognitive Processes ◽

Alternative Model ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Attention Deficits ◽

Cognitive Capacity ◽

Prominent Feature ◽

Attention Skills ◽

Parsimonious Explanation ◽

Developmental Disturbances

AbstractDeficits in gestural joint-attention behaviors are a prominent feature of young autistic children. Attempts to explain these deficits have called upon the metarepresentational deficit hypothesis (Baron-Cohen, 1988; Leslie & Frith, 1988). However, developmental research suggests that joint-attention skills emerge prior to the cognitive capacity for metarepresentation. Thus, the metarepresentational hypothesis does not appear to provide a parsimonious explanation of autistic joint-attention deficits. An alternative model is proposed that attempts to explain these deficits in terms of the combined negative impact of developmental disturbances in affective, as well as cognitive, processes.

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Language and cognitive outcomes in internationally adopted children

Development and Psychopathology ◽

10.1017/s0954579411000204 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 23 (2) ◽

pp. 629-646 ◽

Cited By ~ 32

Author(s):

Inge-Marie Eigsti ◽

Carol Weitzman ◽

Jillian Schuh ◽

Ashley de Marchena ◽

B. J. Casey

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Cognitive Processes ◽

Language Skills ◽

The United States ◽

Cognitive Outcomes ◽

Adopted Children ◽

Cognitive Assessments ◽

Cognitive Changes ◽

Internationally Adopted Children ◽

The Impact

AbstractThis study focuses on the association between language skills and core cognitive processes relative to the duration of institutionalization in children adopted from orphanages abroad. Participants in the adoptive group (n = 46) had arrived in the United States between the ages of 2 and 84 months (mean = 24 months), and had been living in the United States for 1–9 years. Drawing on both experimental and standardized assessments, language skills of the international adoptees differed as a function of length of time spent in an institution and from those of 24 nonadopted controls. Top-down cognitive assessments including measures of explicit memory and cognitive control differed between adopted and nonadopted children, yet differences between groups in bottom-up implicit learning processes were unremarkable. Based on the present findings, we propose a speculative model linking language and cognitive changes to underlying neural circuitry alterations that reflect the impact of chronic stress, due to adoptees' experience of noncontingent, nonindividualized caregiving. Thus, the present study provides support for a relationship between domain-general cognitive processes and language acquisition, and describes a potential mechanism by which language skills are affected by institutionalization.

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A psycholinguistic perspective on Simultaneous Interpretation

Interpreting ◽

10.1075/intp.2.1-2.03fra ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 2 (1-2) ◽

pp. 55-89 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Ulrich Frauenfelder ◽

Herbert Schriefers

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Processes ◽

Experimental Psychology ◽

Cognitive Skill ◽

Simultaneous Interpretation ◽

Component Processes ◽

Simultaneous Translation

Experimental psycholinguistics investigates the cognitive processes underlying our ability to comprehend and produce language using empirical tools similar to those used in experimental psychology. In so doing, it adopts the strategy of cognitive decomposition (see also Massaro & Shlesinger, this volume). It first studies the component language processes in isolation, and only later are these processes investigated in the larger context of other component processes. In the present paper, we attempt to illustrate how the complex cognitive skill of simultaneous translation can fruitfully be examined from this psycholinguistic perspective, despite the scepticism from some of the SI community towards such an experimental enterprise. Inversely, we will also show that studies of the processes underlying simultaneous translation promise to provide us with important insights in psycholinguistics.

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Adverse effects of consuming high fat–sugar diets on cognition: implications for understanding obesity

Proceedings of The Nutrition Society ◽

10.1017/s0029665117000805 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 76 (4) ◽

pp. 455-465 ◽

Cited By ~ 35

Author(s):

Martin R. Yeomans

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Processes ◽

Human Subjects ◽

Basic Research ◽

High Fat ◽

Appetite Control ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Cognitive Changes ◽

Research Findings ◽

Nutritional Effects ◽

Repeated Consumption

There is increasing evidence for important roles of key cognitive processes, including attention, memory and learning, in the short-term decision making about eating. There is parallel evidence that people who are overweight or obese tend to perform worse on a variety of cognitive tasks. In this review, the evidence for these two ideas is summarised and then the idea that overconsumption of Western-style high-fat (HF)–high-sugar diets may underlie the association between obesity and poorer cognitive performance is explored. In particular, evidence in animals and human subjects that repeated consumption of HF or HF and sugar (HFS) diets leads to specific impairments in the functioning of the hippocampus, which underpin the consequent changes in cognition is summarised. These findings lead into the vicious cycle model (VCM), which suggests that these cognitive changes have knock-on negative effects for future appetite control, and evidence that altered hippocampal function is also associated with impaired appetite control is explored. The review concludes that there is consistent evidence in the animal literature and emerging evidence from human studies that supports this VCM. It is also noted, however, that to date studies lack the nutritional specificity needed to be able to translate these basic research findings into clear nutritional effects, and concludes that there is an urgent need for additional research to clarify the precise nature of the apparent effects of consuming HFS diets on cognition.

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