Predicting the Trail-Making Performance by Measures of Executive Functioning

2006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay Shaw ◽  
Jessica Foley ◽  
Cassandra Marsello ◽  
Robert Finlay ◽  
Mary B. Bailor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Trail Making

scholarly journals A-09 The Relationship Between Subjective Cognitive Complaints, Depression, and Executive Functioning in mTBI Veterans

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 782-782
Author(s):  
T Scott ◽  
J Spellman ◽  
N Walker ◽  
J Rivera ◽  
D Waltzman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Trail Making Test ◽  
Cognitive Complaints ◽  
Adult Intelligence Scale ◽  
Neuropsychological Measures ◽  
Trail Making ◽  
Subjective Complaints ◽  
Subjective Cognitive Complaints

Abstract Objective Among individuals with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), those with depression report greater subjective cognitive complaints than those without depression. In mTBI patients with general cognitive complaints, depression may account for poor performance on objective neuropsychological measures. This study seeks to expand this research by examining depression, subjective executive functioning (EF) complaints, and objective EF performance in Veterans with mTBI. Method Fifty-seven Veterans with deployment-related mTBI (12% female; age M = 42.0, SD = 13.6; years education M = 15.0, SD = 1.8) with (n = 29) or without (n = 28) a chart diagnosis of depression. Participants were administered the Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF) and objective neuropsychological measures of working memory (i.e., Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV Working Memory Index) and aspects of EF (i.e., Trail Making Test B and Delis-Kaplan Executive Functioning System (D-KEFS) subtests). Results Principal component analysis identified similar domains of EF to the BRIEF, including: task monitoring (Trail Making Test B, D-KEFS Letter Fluency, and D-KEFS Tower Test, eigenvalue = 1.93) and shifting (D-KEFS: Color-Word Interference Conditions 3 and 4, and Category Switching, eigenvalue = 1.24). Individuals with depression had greater subjective EF complaints in each BRIEF domain than non-depressed individuals (p’s ≤ .01). However, subjective complaints in these domains were not related to objective performance (r’s = −0.17,-0.19, p’s > .05). Moreover, depressed and non-depressed individuals performed similarly on all EF measures (p’s > .05). Conclusions mTBI Veterans with depression report more subjective EF complaints than those without depression. The lack of association between subjective complaints and objective EF performance suggests it is important to treat depression in mTBI patients to remedy perceived cognitive deficits.

A-11 Investigating Gene–Gene Interactions by Cognitive Domain in Healthy Older Adults

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 1051-1051
Author(s):  
Kendra L Pizzonia ◽  
Andrew M Bryant ◽  
Leatha A Clark ◽  
Brian C Clark ◽  
Julie A Suhr
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Verbal Fluency ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Gene Interactions ◽  
Trail Making Test ◽  
Semantic Fluency ◽  
Immediate Memory ◽  
Trail Making ◽  
Main Effects

Abstract Objective ApoE is a well-known gene carrying risk for Alzheimer’s disease and is associated with memory performance while the COMT gene is associated with executive functioning but is understudied. The present study investigated these gene interactions across cognitive domains. Method A larger study on gait and aging recruited 89 healthy community-dwelling adults over the age of 60. The primary analyses included 82 participants (67% female, mean age = 74.61, SD = 6.71). The analyses on executive functioning included 72 participants (65% female, mean age = 73.02, SD = 4.99) who completed all measures of interest. ApoE status was defined as presence/absence of Ɛ4. The rs4680 gene on the COMT allele was classified into Val/Met, Val/Val, and Met/Met genotypes. Biological sex was included as a binary term (i.e., male/female). Index variables and age corrected standard scores on the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status, verbal fluency, and Trail Making Test were included. Results Gene–gene interactions were found for overall cognitive functioning, immediate memory, and semantic fluency. There were main effects of sex for overall cognitive functioning, immediate memory, delayed memory, and semantic fluency. There were main effects for COMT for delayed memory and a main effect for both COMT and ApoE for visuospatial functioning, coding, and verbal fluency (all p’s < 0.05). There were no ApoE x COMT x Sex interactions and Trail Making Test B was not related to either gene or sex. Conclusion(s) Our findings suggest that both COMT and ApoE (and their interaction) influence cognition. Future research should investigate gene–gene interactions in larger samples with more comprehensive cognitive batteries.

scholarly journals A-166 The Role of Apathy on Executive Functioning After Stroke

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 960-960
Author(s):  
Lopez A ◽  
Lopez Palacios D ◽  
Quintana A ◽  
Gibson D ◽  
Arguelles-Borge S
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Trail Making Test ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Test Part ◽  
Trail Making

Abstract Objective This study examined the role of apathy on performance of an executive functioning task. Method The data for this study was derived from the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center’s Uniform Data Set containing neuropsychological information for stroke patients (n = 317) who completed the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire (NPI-Q) and the Trail Making Test (Part B). The sample was divided into two groups. One which endorsed feelings of apathy in the last month (n = 102; mean age = 84,SD = 8.33) and a second group which denied feelings of apathy within the last month (n = 215; mean age = 86, SD = 8.02). Results After controlling for depression [as measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS)], age, gender, and motor impairment, the results of an ANCOVA showed that those who reported apathy performed significantly slower on the Trail Making Test—Part B than those who did not report it [F(1,312 = 6.01, p = .02]. Conclusions It has previously been found that cognitive performance can be impacted by depression on stroke patients. However, recently, it has been identified that apathy specifically, can have an effect on cognitive domains such as verbal learning, short-term, and long-term memory. The present study further supports that apathy may play a role in overall cognitive performance. Therefore, even if patients do not meet criteria for depression, the presence of apathy should still be taken into account. Future research should examine other possible contributing factors such as processing speed should be taken into account as they could be affecting the scores. Finally, researchers should utilize additional measures of executive functioning as only one was available for this study.

scholarly journals Specific Aspects of Executive Functioning Impacted in HIV and Cocaine Dependence

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah E. Nigro ◽  
Minjie Wu ◽  
Alinda Lord ◽  
Atash Sabet ◽  
Anthony Juliano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Word Reading ◽  
Color Naming ◽  
Cocaine Dependence ◽  
People Living With Hiv ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Premorbid Intelligence ◽  
Z Scores ◽  
Stroop Color Word Test ◽  
Trail Making

Abstract Background: Our study aimed to understand the effects of HIV and cocaine dependence (CD) on discrete aspects of executive functioning via the Stroop Color-Word Test and the Trail Making Test (TMT). We recruited 101 participants (26 HIV+/CD+; 18 HIV+/CD-; 30 HIV-/CD+; and 27 HIV-/CD-. Methods: We utilized a series of 2 (HIV: yes/no) × 2 (Cocaine: yes/no) ANCOVA’s while controlling for age and premorbid intelligence on the Stroop trials (i.e., color-naming, word reading, interference), and ANOVA’s were used to test for group differences on TMT-A and TMT-B z-scores, the number of errors, and the B/A ratio score. Results: We found a significant main effect of HIV on the Stroop Interference (p = 0.012) and the TMT B/A ratio (p = 0.017), these findings are consistent with difficulties in cognitive flexibility. On the Color-Naming and Interference trials, individuals with CD made significantly more errors than non-users (p = 0.028), demonstrating difficulties with inhibition. Conclusions: Our results show HIV and CD are associated with different underlying cognitive processes which impact overall executive functioning. Understanding the different cognitive factors impacting executive functioning can help formulate tailored treatment recommendations and targeted interventions for people living with HIV and those with cocaine dependence.

A-104 Examining Methods of Executive Ability from Trail Making Test Part B in Retired Football Players

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 1153-1153
Author(s):  
Daniel W Lopez-Hernandez ◽  
Bethany A Nordberg ◽  
Alexis Bueno ◽  
Pavel Y Litvin ◽  
Amy Bichlmeier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Football Player ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Football Players ◽  
Trail Making Test ◽  
Test Part ◽  
Trail Making ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Executive Ability

Abstract Introduction Repeated sports-related concussions have been associated with cognitive deficits, similar to other forms of traumatic brain injury. We investigated three different measures of executive ability derived from the Trail Making Test part B (TMT-B) in healthy comparison (HC) adults and retired football players. Methods The sample consisted of 32 HC, 15 retired football speed players (FSP; e.g., quarterbacks), and 53 retired football non-speed players (FNP) participants. Participants were administered both TMT part A (TMT-A) and TMT-B, and total time for completion was recorded. A series of ANCOVAs, controlling for age and education were conducted to evaluate group differences in executive abilities. Executive measures included the TMT-B raw score (i.e., seconds to complete TMT-B), the raw score difference (in seconds) between TMT-A and TMT-B (TMT-BA), and the difference between a predicted TMT-B score (TMT-BP) and the obtained TMT-B score (TMT-BBP). Correlations between TMT-B, TMT-BA, and TMT-BBP and other executive functioning tests (i.e., letter fluency and animal naming) were evaluated. Results Results revealed that the HC group outperformed both retired football player groups on all measures of executive ability derived from TMT-B, p’s < 0.05, ηps2 = 0.18–0.45. Furthermore, the retired FNP TMT-B and TMT-BA were significantly correlated with both letter fluency and animal naming, r’s = −0.40 to −0.36, p’s < 0.05. Discussion We found that the HC group outperformed both retired football player groups on all three TMT variables. In our retired FNP sample, more TMT variables correlated with executive functioning measures which suggests that TMT-B and TMT-BA are likely better measures of executive ability than TMT-BBP.

Neuropsychology and MRI Observational Study In An Adult Sickle Cell Disease Population In South East London

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 2642-2642
Author(s):  
Heather Rawle ◽  
Paul Holmes ◽  
Veronica J Thomas ◽  
Ronwyn Cartwright ◽  
Jo Howard
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Sickle Cell ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Cognitive Impairments ◽  
Trail Making Test ◽  
Cerebral Infarcts ◽  
History Of ◽  
Trail Making

Abstract Abstract 2642 We studied 36 patients attending the sickle cell clinic in our large adult population of over 600 patients. These patients presented to the sickle psychology service because they had a past history of a stroke, or presented with concerns about memory. An MRI brain scan and neuropsychological testing (including tests for IQ, processing speed, executive function and memory) were performed on each patient. The data were organised into four groups in terms of severity of MRI abnormalities: normal MRI n=13; silent cerebral infarcts (subcortical punctate small vessel cerebrovascular disease) n= 11; severe infarcts as an adult n=8; and severe infarcts as a child n=4. The majority of patients with a history of stroke had evidence of large vessel infarcts as well as features of deep watershed ischaemia seen in large vessel (distal internal carotid artery) disease. These groups did not differ significantly in terms of gender, phenotype, age and mood. Cognitive impairments were more prevalent in the severe infarct groups but were also found in patients with silent cerebral infarcts and normal MRIs. Executive functioning and processing speed deficits were evident in all groups but were more severe in the silent cerebral infarct and severe infarct groups. Chi-squared tests for trend showed that the following test scores tended to reduce as MRI abnormalities increased: Full-Scale IQ (p=0.016), Processing Speed Index (p=0.015), Trail Making Test A (p=0.014), Trail Making Test B (p=0.018), and FAS Verbal Fluency Test (p=0.006). This suggests that executive functioning, processing speed and full-scale IQ are particularly vulnerable to the effects of MRI abnormalities in this patient population. Although the cognitive impairments were more severe in the groups with abnormal MRIs, there was significant cognitive impairment in some patients with normal MRIs, suggesting that other factors are also causative of cognitive impairments. These factors may include physiological causes such as impaired perfusion, and psychosocial factors such as disruption to education. These results agree with a recent US study (Vichinsky et al, 2010, JAMA, 303, 1823–1831) showing cognitive impairment in patients with normal MRI scans which implies that MRI is not an adequate screening tool to identify patients with cognitive impairment. This study has important clinical implications in terms of how cognitive deficits can affect the effectiveness of patient – health care professional consultations, patients' ability to manage their SCD and adhere to medication and health care advice. It is important therefore to identify patients with SCD who have such cognitive impairments so appropriate support can be offered. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Physical Performance Is Associated with Executive Functioning in Older African American Women

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brooke C. Schneider ◽  
Peter A. Lichtenberg
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
African American Women ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
American Women ◽  
Older African American Women ◽  
Trail Making

An older adult's ability to perform physical tasks is predictive of disability onset and is associated with declines in cognition. Risk factors for physical performance declines among African Americans, a group with the highest rates of disability, remain understudied. This study sought to identify demographic, health, and cognitive factors associated with lower-extremity physical performance in a sample of 106 African American women ages 56 to 91. After controlling for global cognitive functioning (Mini Mental State Exam), physical performance was associated with executive functioning (Stroop Color/Word), but not visuospatial construction (WASI Block Design) or processing speed (Trail Making Test, Part A). Executive functioning remained associated with physical performance after entry of demographic variables, exercise, depression, disease burden, and body mass index (BMI). Age, and BMI were also significant in this model. Executive functioning, age and BMI are associated with lower-extremity physical performance among older African American women.

scholarly journals Cognitive Reserve Mitigates Decline in Executive Functioning Following Hepatobiliary Diseases

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 149-154
Author(s):  
Andreas Ihle ◽  
Élvio R. Gouveia ◽  
Bruna R. Gouveia ◽  
Maximilian Haas ◽  
Sascha Zuber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Significant Interaction ◽  
Cognitive Reserve ◽  
Leisure Activity ◽  
Cognitive Stimulation ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Cognitive Health ◽  
Longitudinal Association ◽  
Trail Making ◽  
Hepatobiliary Diseases

Abstract. The cognitive reserve hypothesis postulates that lifelong cognitive stimulation establishes a buffer that is instrumental in maintaining cognitive health. To examine this conceptual proposition in detail, we applied a novel, more general conceptual view that included recent models of vulnerability and examined whether the longitudinal association between hepatobiliary diseases and later decline in executive functioning across 6 years varied by cognitive reserve. For this purpose, we investigated longitudinal data from 897 older individuals ( M = 74.33 years) tested using the Trail Making Test (TMT) in two waves 6 years apart. Individuals reported information on key commonly used indicators of lifelong cognitive reserve build-up (i.e., education, work, and participation in leisure activity) and hepatobiliary diseases. The results revealed a significant interaction of hepatobiliary diseases with participation in leisure activity on latent change in executive functioning. Specifically, only in individuals with little (but not greater) participation in leisure activity did hepatobiliary diseases significantly predict a steeper decline in executive functioning over 6 years (i.e., increases in TMT finishing time). In conclusion, the unfavorable aftereffects of hepatobiliary diseases on a later decline in executive functioning seem to be mitigated in individuals who have built up greater cognitive reserve via participation in leisure activity during their life.

The Promotion of Executive Functioning in a Brazilian Public School: A Pilot Study

2015 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natália Martins Dias ◽  
Alessandra Gotuzo Seabra
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Public Schools ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
First Grade ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Classroom Context ◽  
Trail Making

AbstractStudies have highlighted the role of early Executive Functioning (EF) interventions with regard to preventing behavioral and mental health problems. In this sense, interventions to promote EF have been developed and tested; however, in Latin America, evidence of early EF-related interventions is still limited. We developed a program for EF promotion in children and applied it to first-grade students. Sixty-eight six-year-old children and their five teachers were divided into an experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG). EG teachers administered the Intervention Program for Self-regulation and Executive Functions in a classroom context. The results of the ANCOVAs showed that children in the EG had significantly better performance in measures of cognitive flexibility (Trail Making Test for Preschoolers; p = .05), attention (Cancellation Attention Test – errors in the Part 3; p = .027), inhibition (Simon Task – interference score in the part 1; p = .008 and interference reaction time in the part 2; p = .010), and planning (CHEXI - planning scale; p = .041) than those in the CG. The results show that EF can be promoted using classroom intervention in public schools. These results expand previous findings for Latin America.

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