Latent Change Models of Adult Cognition: Are Changes in Processing Speed and Working Memory Associated With Changes in Episodic Memory?

2003 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 755-769 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Hertzog ◽  
Roger A. Dixon ◽  
David F. Hultsch ◽  
Stuart W. S. MacDonald
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Change Models ◽  
Adult Cognition

scholarly journals THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE EXPERIENCE OF SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL EVENTS AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION AMONG OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S936-S937
Author(s):  
Stephanie M Bergren ◽  
Gabriella Dong
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Historical Event ◽  
Historical Events ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Global Cognition ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Research has found relationships between experiencing stressful events and lower cognitive function in late life. However, there is little research about the cumulative experiences of significant historical events and cognitive function. Historical events may be unique compared to other life events due to their potential distal relationship to the individual. This study aims to examine the relationship between experiencing significant historical events and cognitive function among Chinese older adults. Data were drawn from the PINE Study, a cohort study of 3,126 US Chinese older adults collected from 2017-2019. Participants were asked if they experienced the Japanese invasion, famine, Great Leap Forward, Vietnam War, Cultural Revolution, and the Tian’anmen Square Protests. A composite score of 0-6 was calculated to count the number experienced. Cognitive function was measured through global cognition, episodic memory, working memory, processing speed, and Chinese MMSE. Linear and quantile regression were performed. Among the participants, 1908 (61.04%) were female with mean age of 75.33 (SD=8.22) years. The average number of historical events experienced was 2.36 (SD=1.44). After adjusting for covariates, every one additional historical event experience was associated with better global cognition (b=0.26, SE=0.009, p<.01), episodic memory (b = 0.045, SE=0.012, p<.001), and processing speed (b=0.383, SE=0.135, p<.01). Number of historical events was not significantly associated with working memory or C-MMSE. The positive relationship between historical events and some cognitive domains suggests a potential resilience effect after experiencing historical events. Future research should examine whether participants found events stressful and whether there are differential relationships to cognitive function.

Decreased working memory and processing speed mediate cognitive impairment in geriatric depression

2000 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 679-691 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. D. NEBES ◽  
M. A. BUTTERS ◽  
B. H. MULSANT ◽  
B. G. POLLOCK ◽  
M. D. ZMUDA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Neuropsychological Functioning ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Geriatric Depression ◽  
Information Processing Speed ◽  
Neuropsychological Dysfunction ◽  
Depressed Patients ◽  
Processing Resources

Background. While neuropsychological dysfunction is common in geriatric depression, not all aspects of cognition are equally affected. It has been suggested that depressed patients are impaired only in tasks that make heavy demands on processing resources and that a resource decrement therefore underlies the neuropsychological decrements seen in geriatric depression. The present study examined whether processing resources in the form of working memory and information processing speed are decreased in depression and whether a decrease in these resources actually mediates neuropsychological impairment.Methods. Measures of processing resources were administered to elderly depressed patients prior to treatment and to age-matched controls. Patients whose depression remitted were retested as were the controls. Subjects also received neuropsychological tests of episodic memory and visuospatial performance.Results. Depressed patients performed significantly worse on measures of both processing speed and working memory. While performance on these measures improved in patients whose depression remitted, the amount of improvement was no greater than that seen in the controls with repeat testing. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that depression explained a significant amount of variance on the neuropsychological tasks. However, if the variance associated with processing resources was removed first, depression no longer accounted for a significant amount of neuropsychological variance.Conclusions. Processing resources are decreased in elderly depressed patients and this decrease in resources appears to mediate impairments in several areas of neuropsychological functioning including episodic memory and visuospatial performance. The resource decrement persists after remission of the depression and thus may be a trait marker of geriatric depression.

scholarly journals Polyvictimization and Cognitive Function in an Ethnic Minority Aging Population

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 427-427
Author(s):  
XinQi Dong ◽  
Mengting Li
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Community Settings ◽  
Multiple Forms ◽  
Financial Exploitation ◽  
Global Cognition

Abstract Globally, around 1 in 6 older adults experienced some form of elder mistreatment in community settings. However, little is known about the prevalence of polyvictimization, or experience of multiple forms of abuse, which may exacerbate negative outcomes over that of any one form of victimization in isolation. Data were drawn from the PINE study. Polyvictimization was defined as exposure to multiple forms of victimization, including psychological, physical, and sexual mistreatment, financial exploitation, and caregiver neglect. Cognitive function was evaluated by global cognition, episodic memory, executive function, working memory, and MMSE. Regression analyses were performed. Among 3153 participants, 128 experienced two forms of abuse while 12 experienced three or more forms of abuse. Polyvictimization was associated with lower global cognition (b=-0.05, SE=0.02, p<.05), episodic memory (b=-0.06, SE=0.03, p<.05), working memory (b=-0.14, SE=0.07, p<.05), and processing speed (b=-0.68, SE=0.33, p<.05). Interventions could target older adults with polyvictimization and protect their cognitive function.

scholarly journals Impaired Cognitive Performance in Patients With Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A84-A85
Author(s):  
Catherine D Zhang ◽  
Sumitabh Singh ◽  
Malavika Suresh ◽  
Andreas Ladefoged Ebbehøj ◽  
Nikki H Stricker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Cortisol Secretion ◽  
Autonomous Cortisol Secretion ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Age And Sex

Abstract Background: Cognitive deficits in memory, language, and executive function have been described in Cushing’s syndrome, but the impact of mild cortisol secretion on cognition is unclear. Rather than overt hypercortisolism, mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) is typically associated with abnormal circadian cortisol production. Aim: To characterize the effect of MACS on cognitive performance. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis as part of an ongoing cohort study in patients with MACS compared to age and sex-matched referent subjects without cortisol excess. MACS was defined as serum cortisol concentration >1.8 mcg/dL after the 1 mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test (DST), in the absence of signs and symptoms of overt Cushing syndrome. We used the National Institute of Health Toolbox Cognition Battery to assess cognitive performance. A series of seven IPad-based tests were administered to evaluate five key domains: 1) executive function, 2) episodic memory, 3) working memory, 4) language, and 5) processing speed. Performance was reported using fully corrected T-scores for age, sex, education, and race with a normative mean of 50 and a standard deviation of 10. T-scores were generated for the individual components as well as three summary measures: 1) fluid cognition (includes executive function, episodic memory, working memory, and processing speed), 2) crystallized cognition (includes language), and 3) total cognition (composite of fluid and crystalized cognition). Results: A total of 23 patients with MACS and 23 age and sex-matched referent subjects without cortisol excess were enrolled. The median age of diagnosis was 63 years (range, 51–81), and 26 (56%) were women. In the MACS cohort, median cortisol following 1 mg DST was 2.6 ug/dL (range, 1.9–13.0) with median ACTH of 8.5 pg/mL (range, 5.0–38.0) and median DHEA-S of 37 mcg/dL (range, 5.0- 141.0). On cognitive assessment, patients with MACS had lower total cognition (T-scores 50 vs. 54, p=0.05) and fluid cognition (T-scores 48 vs. 53, p=0.01) composite scores compared to referent subjects without cortisol excess. In particular, patients with MACS performed worse on tests of executive function (Dimensional Change Card Sort: T-scores 55 vs. 63, p= 0.02 and Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention: T-scores 45 vs. 52, p=0.01). There were no significant differences observed in the remaining individual domains of language, processing speed, working memory, and episodic memory, or crystallized cognition. Conclusions: MACS is associated with impaired total cognition, and in particular, executive function and fluid cognition. These findings suggest that patients with MACS are susceptible to cortisol-mediated changes in the brain. Additional studies should examine the contribution of neuropsychiatric symptoms on cognition in MACS, and possible improvement following treatment for cortisol excess.

scholarly journals CUMULATIVE ADVERSITY AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION AMONG OLDER ADULTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S938-S938
Author(s):  
Gabriella Dong ◽  
Mengting Li
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Stressful Life Events ◽  
Traumatic Events ◽  
Stressful Life ◽  
Global Cognition

Abstract The majority of studies on traumatic life events focus on posttraumatic stress disorder and depression, while less is known whether the cumulative exposure to traumatic events over the life course will deteriorate cognitive function. This study aims to investigate the association between lifetime traumatic events and cognitive function in an immigrant population. The data were drawn from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (PINE). Face-to-face interviews were conducted with a sample of 3,126 U.S. Chinese older adults in 2017-2019. Twelve types of traumatic events were assessed: physical assault, residential fires, sexual assault, miscarriage, abortion, imprisonment, being falsely accused, divorce, death of a loved one, being robbed, experiencing cancer, and being homeless. Cognitive function was measured through global cognition, episodic memory, working memory, processing speed, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Linear regression was performed. In our sample, the maximum traumatic events experienced by one participant are eight types. Older adults who experienced one additional personal event were associated with higher global cognition (b=0.101, SE=0.012), episodic memory (b=0.130, SE=0.016), working memory (b=0.151, SE=0.034), processing speed (b=1.709, SE=0.178), and MMSE (b=0.124, SE=0.057), while controlling for age, gender, income, and education. In contrast with earlier studies, we identified the positive relationships between traumatic events and cognition. Older adults who had prior experience with stressful life events could demonstrate an advantage over those without such an experience. Further studies could investigate how individuals would respond to stressful life events, and how their resilience mechanism would promote cognitive function.

Abstract P122: Cardiovascular Fat And Cognitive Function Among Perimenopausal Women: The Study Of Women’s Health Across The Nation Cardiovascular Fat And Heart Ancillary Studies

Circulation ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 143 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Meiyuzhen Qi ◽  
Matthew Budoff ◽  
Imke Janssen ◽  
Kelly Shields ◽  
Emma Barinas-Mitchell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Midlife Women ◽  
Vascular Pathology ◽  
Perivascular Adipose Tissue ◽  
Perimenopausal Women ◽  
Fat Volume

Objective: Women experienced disproportionated prevalence of dementia and higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) after menopause. Cardiovascular fat (CF) which is associated with CVD may impact cognitive function through vascular pathology. Perimenopausal women had more CF compared with pre/early perimenopausal women. However, research on the association between CF volume, density and cognitive function among perimenopausal women is limited. We aimed to assess associations of CF volume and density with future cognitive function among midlife women. Design: Midlife women with measures of CF volume and density along with cognitive function measured 1.46 (SD=0.68) years later were evaluated. Computed tomographic scans were used to quantify volume and density of total heart adipose tissue (TAT), EAT, and perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) of the descending aorta. Digit span backward test, East Boston memory test, and symbol digit modalities test were used to test working memory, verbal episodic memory, and processing speed, respectively. The relationship between each CF measurement and each cognitive function metric was assessed separately with linear regression models. Final models included age, education level, race, menopausal status, waist hip ratio, number of cognitive tests conducted before the included test, and fat density for corresponding fat volume or fat volume for corresponding fat density. Results: Three hundred and eighty-five women (mean age of 50.6 (SD=2.4) years old; 29.2% post-menopausal) were included. In the final models (Table), higher EAT and TAT density were significantly associated with a higher processing speed and immediate episodic memory, respectively. However, there was a significant negative association between PVAT density and working memory. Conclusion: Our findings suggest an association between CF radio-density and future cognitive function in midlife women, which may differ by cardiovascular fat location (heart vs. vasculature).

scholarly journals Self-Reported Dietary Carotenoid Intake Is Related to Cognitive Outcomes in Early Adolescents

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 124-124
Author(s):  
Cassandra Partridge ◽  
Meredith LaFrance ◽  
Katie Brown ◽  
Benjamin McDunn ◽  
Annie Roe
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Parent Education ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Early Adolescents ◽  
Cognitive Outcomes ◽  
Total Carotenoids ◽  
Dietary Carotenoid

Abstract Objectives To investigate the relationships between self-reported dietary carotenoid intake and cognitive outcomes in adolescents aged 11–14 years. Methods Thirty adolescents aged 11–14 years participated in the cross-sectional study. Dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin, lycopene, alpha- and beta-carotene, cryptoxanthin and total carotenoids were assessed from three days of 24-hour dietary recall data collected and analyzed using the Automated Self-Administered 24-hour (ASA24) Dietary Assessment Tool, developed by the National Cancer Institute. Assessments from the NIH Toolbox for Assessment of Neurological and Behavioral Function were administered to determine scores of executive function, episodic memory, working memory, attention, processing speed, and fluid cognition, all adjusted for age, gender, race, ethnicity, and parent education. Spearman correlations were used to evaluate relationships between variable pairs, using SAS software. Results A significant inverse relationship was found between intake of lutein and zeaxanthin and working memory scores (R2 = −0.427, P < 0.05). Significant positive associations were found between scores of episodic memory and intakes of cryptoxanthin (R2 = 0.411, P < 0.05), lycopene (R2 = 0.396, P < 0.05) and total carotenoids (R2 = 0.395, P < 0.05). No significant relationships were noted between intakes of carotenoids and measurements of executive function, attention, processing speed or fluid cognition. Conclusions Dietary intake of lutein and zeaxanthin was negatively associated with working memory scores and intakes of cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and total carotenoids were positively associated with episodic memory scores in early adolescents aged 11–14 years. Dietary intake of specific carotenoids may have varied associations with specific domains of cognition. Larger sample sizes are needed to comprehensively evaluate these relationships in adolescent populations. Funding Sources University of Idaho internal funding.

scholarly journals Stressful Life Events and Late-Life Cognitive Function in Community-Dwelling Chinese Older Adults: Findings from a Population-Based Cohort Study in the Greater Chicago Area

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-35
Author(s):  
Gabriella C. Dong ◽  
Mengting Li
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Life Events ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Stressful Life Events ◽  
Stressful Life ◽  
Chinese Older Adults ◽  
Global Cognition

The majority of studies on stressful life events focus on posttraumatic stress disorder and depression, while less is known about whether the cumulative exposure to stressful life events over the life course will deteriorate cognitive function. This study aims to investigate the association between lifetime stressful life events and cognitive function in an immigrant population. The data were drawn from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (PINE). Face-to-face interviews were conducted with a sample of 3125 U.S. Chinese older adults in 2017–2019. Twelve types of stressful life events were assessed: physical assault, residential fires, sexual assault, miscarriage, abortion, imprisonment, being falsely accused, divorce, death of a loved one, being robbed, experiencing cancer, and being homeless. Cognitive function was measured through global cognition, episodic memory, working memory, processing speed, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Linear regression was performed. Older adults who experienced a higher number of life events were associated with higher global cognition (b = 0.11, SE = 0.01, p < 0.001), episodic memory (b = 0.14, SE = 0.02, p < 0.001), working memory (b = 0.17, SE = 0.03, p < 0.001), processing speed (b = 1.92, SE = 0.18, p < 0.001), and MMSE (b = 0.29, SE = 0.07, p < 0.001), while controlling for age, gender, income, education, medical comorbidities, ADL, and depressive symptoms. In contrast with earlier studies, we identified the positive relationships between aggregate and individual life events and cognition. Older adults who had prior experience with stressful life events could demonstrate an advantage over those without such experiences. In addition, older adults who experienced life event(s) during adulthood and old age are associated with higher cognitive function. Further studies could investigate how individuals respond to stressful life events and how the underlying resilience mechanism would promote cognitive function.

Early detection of isolated memory deficits in the elderly: the need for more sensitive neuropsychological tests

2002 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 483-491 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. A. DE JAGER ◽  
E. MILWAIN ◽  
M. BUDGE
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Early Detection ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Neuropsychological Tests ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Memory Group

Background. Early detection of cognitive decline in the elderly is important because this may precede progression to Alzheimer's disease. The aim of this study was to see whether sensitive neuropsychological tests could identify pre-clinical cognitive deficits and to characterize the cognitive profile of a subgroup with poor memory.Methods. A neuropsychological test battery was administered to a community-dwelling sample of 155 elderly volunteers who were screened with CAMCOG at enrolment (mean age 74·7 years). The battery included tests of episodic memory, semantic and working memory, language and processing speed.Results. Episodic memory test z scores below 1 S.D. from the cohort mean identified 25 subjects with ‘non-robust’ memory performance. This group was compared to the remaining ‘robust memory’ group with a General Linear Model controlling for age, IQ, education and gender. Test performance was significantly different in all tests for episodic and semantic memory, but not in tests for working memory, processing speed and language. CANTAB paired associates learning and spatial recognition tests identified the highest percentages of those in the ‘non-robust memory’ group. Processing speed partialled out the age effect on memory performance for the whole cohort, but the ‘non-robust memory’ group's performance was not associated with age or processing speed.Conclusions. Sensitive neuropsychological tests can detect performance below the norm in elderly people whose performance on MMSE and CAMCOG tests is well within the normal range. Age-related decline in memory performance in a cohort of the elderly may be largely due to inclusion within the cohort of individuals with undetected pre-clinical Alzheimer's disease or isolated memory impairment.

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