scholarly journals Differential Cognitive Performance in Females and Males with Regular Cannabis Use

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 570-580
Author(s):  
Ashley M. Schnakenberg Martin ◽  
Deepak Cyril D’Souza ◽  
Sharlene D. Newman ◽  
William P. Hetrick ◽  
Brian F. O’Donnell
Keyword(s):  
Digit Span ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Verbal Working Memory ◽  
Cannabis Use ◽  
Neurocognitive Deficits ◽  
Psychomotor Speed ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Cognitive Measures ◽  
Biological Sex ◽  
Learning Test

AbstractObjectives:Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that males and females may be differentially affected by cannabis use. This study evaluated the interaction of cannabis use and biological sex on cognition, and the association between observed cognitive deficits and features of cannabis use.Methods:Cognitive measures were assessed in those with regular, ongoing, cannabis use (N = 40; 22 female) and non-using peers (N = 40; 23 female). Intelligence, psychomotor speed, and verbal working memory were measured with the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence, Digit Symbol Test, and Digit Span and Hopkins Verbal Learning Test, respectively. Associations between cognitive measures and cannabis use features (e.g., lifetime cannabis use, age of initiation, time since last use of cannabis, recent high-concentration tetrahydrocannabinoid exposure) were also evaluated.Results:No main effects of group were observed across measures. Significant interactions between group and biological sex were observed on measures of intelligence, psychomotor speed, and verbal learning, with greatest group differences observed between males with and without regular cannabis use. Psychomotor performance was negatively correlated with lifetime cannabis exposure. Female and male cannabis use groups did not differ in features of cannabis use.Conclusions:Findings suggest that biological sex influences the relationship between cannabis and cognition, with males potentially being more vulnerable to the neurocognitive deficits related to cannabis use.

scholarly journals Longitudinal Cognitive Performance in Individuals at Ultrahigh Risk for Psychosis: A 10-year Follow-up

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 1101-1111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly Allott ◽  
Stephen J Wood ◽  
Hok Pan Yuen ◽  
Alison R Yung ◽  
Barnaby Nelson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Period Change ◽  
Digit Symbol ◽  
Cognitive Measures ◽  
Auditory Verbal Learning ◽  
Trail Making ◽  
Learning Test ◽  
Positive Correlations

Abstract It remains unclear whether the onset of psychosis is associated with deterioration in cognitive performance. The aim of this study was to examine the course of cognitive performance in an ultrahigh risk (UHR) cohort, and whether change in cognition is associated with transition to psychosis and change in functioning. Consecutive admissions to Personal Assessment and Crisis Evaluation (PACE) Clinic between May 1994 and July 2000 who had completed a comprehensive cognitive assessment at baseline and follow-up were eligible (N = 80). Follow-up ranged from 7.3 to 13.4 years (M = 10.4 years; SD = 1.5). In the whole sample, significant improvements were observed on the Similarities (P = .03), Information (P < .01), Digit Symbol Coding (P < .01), and Trail Making Test-B (P = .01) tasks, whereas performance on the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (Trials 1–3) declined significantly (P < .01) over the follow-up period. Change in performance on cognitive measures was not significantly associated with transition status. Taking time to transition into account, those who transitioned after 1 year showed significant decline on Digit Symbol Coding, whereas those who did not transition improved on this measure (P = .01; effect size [ES] = 0.85). Small positive correlations were observed between improvements in functioning and improvements in performance on Digit Symbol Coding and Arithmetic (0.24, P = .03 and 0.28, P = .01, respectively). In summary, the onset of psychosis was not associated with deterioration in cognitive ability. However, specific findings suggest that immediate verbal learning and memory, and processing speed may be relevant domains for future risk models and early intervention research in UHR individuals.

scholarly journals Temporal Sequence of Hearing Impairment and Cognition in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging

2018 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 574-580 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole M Armstrong ◽  
Yang An ◽  
Luigi Ferrucci ◽  
Jennifer A Deal ◽  
Frank R Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Temporal Sequence ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
California Verbal Learning Test ◽  
Baltimore Longitudinal Study ◽  
Learning Test

Abstract Background Hearing impairment (HI) could be a risk factor for cognitive decline, but cognition could plausibly also affect psychoacoustic assessment of hearing with audiometry. We examined the temporal sequence of hearing and cognitive function among nondemented, community-dwelling older adults. Methods Hearing and cognition were assessed between 2012 and 2015 and 2 years thereafter in 313 nondemented participants aged ≥60 years in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Poorer hearing was defined by pure-tone average of 0.5–4 kHz tones in the better-hearing ear. Cognitive measures with either visual or auditory inputs were Trail-making Test Part B; Digit Symbol Substitution Test; California Verbal Learning Test immediate recall, short delay, and long delay; Digit Span Forward/Backward; Benton Visual Retention Test; and Mini-Mental State Examination. We used linear regression models for cross-sectional associations at each timepoint and autoregressive, cross-lagged models to evaluate whether baseline hearing impairment (Time 1) predicted cognitive performance 2 years after baseline (Time 2) and vice versa. Results Cross-sectionally, there were no associations between poorer hearing and cognitive performance. Longitudinally, poorer hearing was associated with declines in California Verbal Learning Test immediate (β = −0.073, SE = 0.032, p = .024), short-delayed (β = −0.134, SE = 0.043, p = .002), long-delayed (β = −0.080, SE = 0.032, p = .012) recall, and Digit Span Forward (β = −0.074, SE = 0.029, p = .011).) from Time 1 to Time 2. Cognitive performance at Time 1 did not predict change in hearing status at Time 2. Conclusions Audiometric hearing impairment predicted short-term cognitive declines in both California Verbal Learning Test and auditory stimuli for attention.

scholarly journals A-223 Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised (HVLT-R) and Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R) Embedded Performance Validity Analyses in a Healthy Non-Clinical Sample

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 1018-1018
Author(s):  
Arzuyan A ◽  
Mathew A ◽  
Rosenblatt A ◽  
Gracian E ◽  
Osmon D
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Ability ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Memory Test ◽  
Visuospatial Memory ◽  
Performance Validity ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Embedded Measures ◽  
Hopkins Verbal Learning Test ◽  
Learning Test

Abstract Objective The Hopkins Verbal Learning Test–Revised (HVLT-R) and Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R) are memory tests with embedded measures of performance validity (Recognition Discrimination [RD] and Discrimination Index [DI], respectively). We evaluated whether cognitive ability and age influenced embedded measures of effort. Methods Participants included 30 young adults (YA) and 29 older adults (dichotomized into unimpaired [OAu] and impaired [OAi]). Participants completed a medication management ability assessment (MMAA), daily memory lapses survey (DM), digit span, and the Transverse Patterning (TP) and Reversal Learning (RL) computerized tests. Two Repeated-Measures MANOVAs were conducted to determine if Passing PVT and Age/Cognitive Ability influenced performance. An ROC analysis was conducted for HVLT-RD and BVMT-DI to determine pass/fail, and false positives/negatives on embedded measures. Results Those in the YA group who failed RDS (YA-fail), performed better than OAi-fail and OAi-pass groups on RT Errors (p &lt; .0001). On TP Errors, the YA group differed from all four OA groups (p &lt; .0001). On MMAA a significant difference was observed between OAi-fail and all other groups (p &lt; .001). On RD, YA groups differed from both OAi groups (p = .0008). On DI, the YA groups differed from the OAi-fail group (p = .002). A logistic regression classified 43/57 participants successfully into the three cognitive groups using the six predictors (χ2 = 55.73, p &lt; .0001, R2 = .468). RT Errors and TP were significant (Likelihood χ2 = 7.25, p = .027). Conclusion HVLT-RD failed to detect validity for OAi, as did BVMT-DI for YA and OAu. Instead, impairment effects are seen on HVLT-RD and BVMT-DI where YA groups differed from some combination of both/one of the OA groups.

scholarly journals Neurocognition and social cognition in remitted first-episode schizophrenia: correlation with VEGF serum levels

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaqin Zhao ◽  
Wenhuan Xiao ◽  
Kuanyu Chen ◽  
Qiongqiong Zhan ◽  
Fei Ye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Cognition ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
First Episode ◽  
Schizophrenic Patients ◽  
Trail Making ◽  
Learning Test ◽  
First Episode Schizophrenia ◽  
Endothelial Growth Factor

Abstract Background Accumulating evidence suggests that serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in many neurobiological processes potentially contributes to the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders, particularly cognitive decline. The purpose of this study was to explore the differences in neurocognition, social cognition and VEGF among remitted first-episode schizophrenic patients, non-remitters and normal control subjects. Moreover, we investigated the association between serum VEGF levels and cognitive functions. Method 65 remission (RS) and 45 nonremission patients (NRS) after first-episode schizophrenia, as well as 58 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled in this study. Social cognition was assessed using the Chinese Facial Emotion Test (CFET); neurocognition was measured with a test battery consisting of Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised, Verbal Fluency Test, Trail Making Tests, Digit Span Tests (DST) and Stroop Tests. Blood samples were collected for VEGF measurements. Data was analyzed with SPSS 22.0 (Chicago, IL, USA). Results On nearly all neurocognitive tests (except for DST), RS performed significantly worse than HC but better than NRS (P < 0.05). NRS, but not RS, exhibited markedly poorer social cognition than HC (except for Happiness and Surprise subscales of the CFET) (P < 0.05). VEGF levels showed a gradient change among three groups (HC > RS > NRS). Conclusion Compared to HC, RS demonstrated poorer neurocognitive but intact social cognition functioning. These results indicate that VEGF levels decreased gradually with the severity of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. VEGF may be involved in the pathological mechanism of cognitive performance in RS.

Is empathy correlated to patients’ level of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia?

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S141-S141
Author(s):  
R. Trabelsi ◽  
A. Arous ◽  
J. Mrizak ◽  
H. Ben Ammar ◽  
A. Khalifa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Digit Span ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Cognitive Empathy ◽  
Neurocognitive Functioning ◽  
Affective Empathy ◽  
Card Sorting ◽  
Trail Making ◽  
Affective Components ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Learning Test

IntroductionEmpathy, which refers to the ability to understand and share the thoughts and feelings of others, may be compromised in schizophrenia (SCZ). Yet the relationship between empathy and neurocognitive functioning remains unclear.ObjectivesTo explore whether cognitive and affective empathy are associated with the neurocognitive functioning in SCZ.MethodsFifty-eight outpatients with stable SCZ completed the Questionnaire of Cognitive and Affective Empathy (QCAE) comprising five subscales intended to assess cognitive and affective components of empathy. They also completed a neurocognitive battery comprising the following tests: the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test–Revised (HVLT-R), the Letter Digit Substitution Test (LDST), the Stroop Test (ST), the “Double Barrage” of Zazzo (DBZ), the Modified Card Sorting Test (MCST), Verbal Fluency (VF), the Trail Making Test-Part A (TMT-A) and the Digit Span (DS).ResultsBetter affective and cognitive empathy correlated with better performance in the ST (less hesitations and less errors). Patients with better cognitive empathy performed better in the MCST (more categories achieved; P = 0.029) and in the LDST (more substitutions per minute; P = 0.031).ConclusionsOur results bolster support for the presence of an association between NF and the decreased cognitive and affective empathy in schizophrenia.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Web-Based Intervention Effects on Mild Cognitive Impairment Based on Apolipoprotein E Genotype: Quasi-Experimental Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthoula C Tsolaki ◽  
Magda Tsolaki ◽  
Niki Pandria ◽  
Eftychia Lazarou ◽  
Olymbia Gkatzima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Training ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
California Verbal Learning Test ◽  
Intervention Effects ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Apoe Ε4 ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Learning Test

BACKGROUND Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele is a major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer disease and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Computer-based training programs can improve cognitive performance in elderly populations. However, the effects of computer-based interventions on MCI APOE ε4 carriers have never been studied before. OBJECTIVE The effects of different web-based interventions and the APOE isoform-specific differences in training outcomes are investigated. METHODS Using a quasi-experimental study design, 202 participants with MCI aged 60 years and older took part in three different intervention programs (physical and cognitive [Long-Lasting Memories, or LLM], cognitive [Active Control, or AC], or physical intervention [Physical Training Control, or PTC]) via an innovative information and communication technologies exergaming platform. Participants in each interventional group were subdivided into APOE ε4 carriers and non–APOE ε4 carriers. All participants underwent an extensive neuropsychological evaluation before and after the training, blood tests, and brain imaging. RESULTS All interventions resulted in multiple statistically significant cognitive benefits after the intervention. Verbal learning (California Verbal Learning Test: immediate recall test score—LLM: <i>P</i>=.04; AC: <i>P</i>&lt;.001), working memory (digit span forward and backward test scores—AC: <i>P</i>=.03; PTC: <i>P</i>=.02 and <i>P</i>=.006, respectively), and long-term memory (California Verbal Learning Test: delayed recall test score—LLM: <i>P</i>=.02; AC: <i>P</i>=.002; and PTC: <i>P</i>=.02) were improved. There was no statistically significant difference among the intervention effects. APOE ε4 presence moderates intervention effects as the LLM intervention improved only their task-switching processing speed (Trail Making Test, Part B: <i>P</i>=.03) and the PTC intervention improved only the working memory (digit span backward: <i>P</i>=.03). No significant performance alteration was noted for the APOE ε4+ cognitive AC training group. CONCLUSIONS None of the applied interventions could be identified as the optimal one; it is suggested, however, that combined cognitive and physical training and physical training via exergaming may be more effective for the high-risk MCI ΑPOE ε4+ subgroup.

scholarly journals Auditory-verbal memory function of women during the menstruation and ovulation periods

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marziyeh Sajadian ◽  
Hamid Jalilvand ◽  
Ali Mohammadzadeh ◽  
Behdad Pourdad ◽  
Maryam Sajadian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Menstrual Cycle ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Memory Function ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Verbal Working Memory ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Recall Score ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Learning Test

Background and Aim: Auditory-verbal mem­ory (AVM) is the ability to learn, retain, and recall syllables and words. Memory has a strong relationship with the nervous and endocrine systems in humans. Changes in estrogen levels occur naturally at short (menstrual period) and long (pregnancy, menopause, and maturity) peri­ods. Changes in estrogen levels are likely to affect memory function. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hormone fluctuations on the AVM of women. Methods: This cross-sectional study with a pretest/posttest design was conducted on 25 women aged 40−49 years with normal hearing and normal menstrual cycles of 28 ± 4 days, who were selected using a convenience sampling method. They were evaluated using two Persian versions of Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT). This test was performed twice and at two different menstrual periods (2-5 and 14−16 days). Results: A significant correlation was observed between the mean of total recall score, recall score after interference, and delayed recall score at two different periods (p < 0.01). The scores of women in three areas on days 14−16 of the menstrual cycle were higher than on days 2−5. Conclusion: Women’s RAVLT scores on days 14−16 of the menstrual cycle are higher than on days 2−5, indicating the effect of hormonal fluc­tuations on their AVM function. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the changes in women’s AVM in different days of the menstrual cycle. Keywords: Auditory-verbal working memory; Rey learning test; menstrual cycle  

scholarly journals Influence of Acculturation on Emotional Learning and Memory in Spanish and English Speakers

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (7) ◽  
pp. 1282-1282
Author(s):  
D N Zink ◽  
H Kuwabara ◽  
E Reyes ◽  
S Gomez-Batista ◽  
A Reyes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Model ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Learning Curves ◽  
Emotional Learning ◽  
Dominant Group ◽  
Main Effect ◽  
List Learning ◽  
Learning Test ◽  
English Dominant

Abstract Objective The Emotional Verbal Learning Test-Spanish (EVLT-S) is a novel list learning test similar in structure to traditional verbal memory tests but contains words from 4 discrete emotional categories. Influence of acculturation on emotional learning was examined on EVLT-S learning trials 1 to 5. Participants and Method Participants included 50 bilingual healthy individuals in the Spanish-dominant group (Age M = 20.3years; 72% female) and 27 in the English-dominant group (Age M = 23.4years, 51.9% female). They were administered a battery of tests including the EVLT, a non-emotional verbal list learning test (LLT), Vocabulary (VC), Digit Span (DS), and The Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics (SASH) in their dominant language. To examine learning curves a mixed model ANOVA was conducted with test (EVLT-S/EVLT, LLT-S/LLT) and trial as within-subjects variables and group (Spanish, English) as a between-subjects variable. Results There were significant main effects (p &lt; .005) for test, trial, and group. The Spanish-dominant group had the lowest overall performance on the EVLT-S (main effect for group). Post hoc comparisons of the Spanish-dominant group’s LLT-S and EVLT-S performance indicated significant differences at each trail (p &lt; .01), with the EVLT-S scores being lower than the LLT-S scores. The ANOVA was repeated with VC, DS, and SASH included as covariates. When controlling for these variables, the main effect for group was no longer significant. A significant trial by acculturation interaction effect emerged (p&lt;.05), with the English-dominant group generally performing better than the Spanish-dominant group. Conclusions Results suggest that Spanish and English language group differences were largely accounted for by word knowledge (VC), working memory (DS), and acculturation differences (SASH) between the groups. The role of these variables is discussed further in the context of acculturation.

Do patients with better neuro-cognition have better theory of mind?

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S140-S140
Author(s):  
J. Mrizak ◽  
A. Arous ◽  
R. Trabelsi ◽  
A. Aissa ◽  
H. Ben Ammar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Theory Of Mind ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Card Sorting ◽  
Trail Making ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
St Number ◽  
Learning Test ◽  
Sorting Test

IntroductionTheory of mind (ToM) has repeatedly been shown to be compromised in many patients with schizophrenia (SCZ). By contrast, the association between ToM deficits and neuro-cognitive functioning (NF) remains uncertain.ObjectivesTo investigate the association between ToM functioning and neuro-cognitive functioning in SCZ.MethodsFifty-eight outpatients with stable SCZ completed the intention-inferencing task (IIT), in which the ability to infer a character's intentions from 28 short comic strip stories is assessed. They also completed a neuro-cognitive battery comprising the following tests: the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test–Revised (HVLT-R), the Letter Digit Substitution Test (LDST), the Stroop Test (ST), the “Double Barrage” of Zazzo (DBZ), the Modified Card Sorting Test (MCST), Verbal Fluency (VF), the Trail Making Test-Part A (TMT-A) and the Digit Span (DS).ResultsThe performance in the IIT significantly correlated with performance in some neuro-cognitive tests including efficiency in DBZ, number of uncorrected mistakes in ST, number of correct categories in MCST and the time needed to succeed the TMT-A. No correlations were found between performance in the ITT and in memory tasks (HVLT-R and DS).ConclusionsToM may rely on some neuro-cognitive functions (mainly attention and executive functioning). Elucidating the exact relationship between ToM and NF may be useful as both are targeted in specific psychotherapeutic interventions.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Investigating the Residual Effects of Chronic Cannabis Use and Abstinence on Verbal and Visuospatial Learning

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentina Lorenzetti ◽  
Michael Takagi ◽  
Yvonne van Dalen ◽  
Murat Yücel ◽  
Nadia Solowij
Keyword(s):  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Cued Recall ◽  
Cannabis Use ◽  
Learning Performance ◽  
Residual Effects ◽  
California Verbal Learning Test ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Visuospatial Learning ◽  
Learning Test ◽  
Cross Sectional Design

Rationale: Regular cannabis users have been shown to differ from non-using controls in learning performance. It is unclear if these differences are specific to distinct domains of learning (verbal, visuospatial), exacerbate with extent of cannabis exposure and dissipate with sustained abstinence.Objective: This study examines different domains of learning (verbal, visuospatial) in current and abstaining cannabis users, and the role of chronicity of use.Methods: In a cross-sectional design, we examined 127 psychiatrically healthy participants (65 female) with mean aged of 34 years. Of these, 69 individuals were current regular cannabis users (mean 15 years use), 12 were former cannabis users abstinent for ~2.5 yrs (after a mean of 16 years use), and 46 were non-cannabis using controls. Groups were compared on verbal learning performance assessed via the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT-II) and for visuospatial learning measured with the Brown Location Test (BLT). We explored the association between CVLT/BLT performance and cannabis use levels in current and former users.Results: Current cannabis use compared to non-use was associated with worse performance on select aspects of verbal learning (Long Delay Cued Recall) and of visuospatial learning (Retroactive Interference and LD Rotated Recall). Prolonged abstinence was associated with altered verbal learning but intact visuospatial learning. There were non-significant correlations between distinct cannabis use measures, age and learning in both current and former users.Conclusions: Our findings suggest cannabis use status (current use, former use) affects different domains of learning (verbal and visuospatial) in a distinct fashion. These findings might be accounted for in the design of cognitive interventions aimed to support abstinence in cannabis users.

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