Association between plasma homocysteine levels and cognitive deficits in Han Chinese patients with schizophrenia across age groups

AbstractIt was still unclear how homocysteine (Hcy) levels and cognitive deficits change in patients with schizophrenia of various ages. The present article attempts to assess the relationship between Hcy levels and cognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia across age groups, especially in young people. Totals of 103 patients and 122 healthy controls were included. All participants were stratified into four groups according to their age: 18–29 years, 30–39 years, 40–49 years, and 50–59 years. Clinical data, plasma Hcy levels, and cognitive function score were collected. Cognitive function was evaluated using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery of tests assessing speed of processing, verbal learning and memory, visual learning and memory, working memory, and attention/vigilance. Compared with the healthy group, Hcy levels increased significantly, and all the measured cognitive function score were significantly lower in all age groups of patients with schizophrenia (p < 0.001). Hcy levels were negatively associated with speed of processing (SoP), working memory (WM), and visual learning and memory (Vis Lrng) score in 18–29 years. Further multiple regression analysis showed that SoP were independently associated with Hcy levels in patients with schizophrenia aged 18–29 years (B = 0.74, t = 3.12, p = 0.008). Based on our results, patients with schizophrenia performed worse on cognitive assessments and Hcy levels were more closely related to cognition in young patients.

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Association Between Plasma Homocysteine Levels and Cognitive Deficits in Han Chinese Patients with Schizophrenia across Age Groups

10.21203/rs.3.rs-226210/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Sumiao Zhou ◽

Yuanyuan Huang ◽

Yangdong Feng ◽

Hehua Li ◽

Kai Wu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Working Memory ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Learning And Memory ◽

Cognitive Deficits ◽

Visual Learning ◽

Verbal Learning ◽

Age Groups ◽

Speed Of Processing ◽

Function Score ◽

Cognitive Function Score

Abstract Background: It was still unclear how homocysteine (Hcy) levels and cognitive deficits change in patients with schizophrenia of various ages. The present article attempts to assess the relationship between Hcy levels and cognitive deficits in patients with schizophrenia across age groups, especially in young people.Methods: Totals of 103 patients and 122 healthy controls were included. All participants were stratified into four groups according to their age: 18-29 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years, and 50-59 years. Clinical data, plasma Hcy levels, and cognitive function score were collected. Cognitive function was evaluated using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery of tests assessing speed of processing, verbal learning and memory, visual learning and memory, working memory, and attention/vigilance.Results: Compared with the healthy group, Hcy levels increased significantly, and all the measured cognitive function score were significantly lower in all age groups of patients with schizophrenia (p < 0.001). Hcy levels were negatively associated with speed of processing (SoP), working memory (WM), and visual learning and memory (Vis Lrng) score in 18-29 years. Further multiple regression analysis showed that SoP were independently associated with Hcy levels in patients with schizophrenia aged 18-29 years (B = 0.61, t = 3.17, p = 0.013).Conclusions: Based on our results, patients with schizophrenia performed worse on cognitive assessments and Hcy levels were more closely related to cognition in young patients.

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Latent structure of cognition in schizophrenia: a confirmatory factor analysis of the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB)

Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/s0033291715000641 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 45 (12) ◽

pp. 2657-2666 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

A. McCleery ◽

M. F. Green ◽

G. S. Hellemann ◽

L. E. Baade ◽

J. M. Gold ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Working Memory ◽

Factor Analysis ◽

Confirmatory Factor Analysis ◽

Factor Model ◽

Visual Learning ◽

Verbal Learning ◽

Speed Of Processing ◽

Confirmatory Factor ◽

Correlated Factors ◽

Cognitive Dimensions

BackgroundThe number of separable cognitive dimensions in schizophrenia has been debated. Guided by the extant factor analytic literature, the NIMH Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (MATRICS) initiative selected seven cognitive domains relevant to treatment studies in schizophrenia: speed of processing, attention/vigilance, working memory, verbal learning, visual learning, reasoning and problem solving, and social cognition. These domains are assessed in the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). The aim of this study was to conduct a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of the beta battery of the MCCB to compare the fit of the MATRICS consensus seven-domain model to other models in the current literature on cognition in schizophrenia.MethodUsing data from 281 schizophrenia outpatients, we compared the seven correlated factors model with alternative models. Specifically, we compared the 7-factor model to (a) a single-factor model, (b) a three correlated factors model including speed of processing, working memory, and general cognition, and (c) a hierarchical model in which seven first-order factors loaded onto a second-order general cognitive factor.ResultsMultiple fit indices indicated the seven correlated factors model was the best fit for the data and provided significant improvement in model fit beyond the comparison models.ConclusionsThese results support the assessment of these seven cognitive dimensions in clinical trials of interventions to improve cognition in schizophrenia. Because these cognitive factors are separable to some degree, it is plausible that specific interventions may have differential effects on the domains.

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Neurocognitive effects of six ketamine infusions and the association with antidepressant effects in treatment-resistant bipolar depression: a preliminary study

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.10208 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

pp. e10208

Author(s):

Wei Zheng ◽

Yan-Ling Zhou ◽

Cheng-Yu Wang ◽

Xiao-Feng Lan ◽

Bin Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Working Memory ◽

Bipolar Depression ◽

Visual Learning ◽

Verbal Learning ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Speed Of Processing ◽

Treatment Resistant ◽

Observational Period ◽

Preliminary Study ◽

Over Time

Objective The N-methyl-D-aspartate subtype glutamate receptor antagonist ketamine has rapid antidepressant and antisuicidal effects in treating treatment-resistant bipolar depression (TRBD). The neurocognitive effects of repeated ketamine infusions in TRBD are not known. Methods Six intravenous infusions of ketamine (0.5 mg/kg over 40 min) were administered on a Monday–Wednesday–Friday schedule during a 12-day period on 16 patients with TRBD followed by a 2-week observational period. The assessment of neurocognitive function was conducted using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery at baseline, 13 and 26 days. Tasks were designed to test speed of processing, working memory, visual learning and verbal learning. Results A significant improvement was found only in scores of speed of processing (F = 9.9, p = 0.001) after a 2-week observational period, which was accounted for by the improvement of depression symptoms. There were no significant changes over time in terms of working memory, visual learning and verbal learning. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the improvement of depression symptoms through six ketamine infusions was greater among TRBD patients with lower working memory at baseline (r = 0.54, p = 0.03). In multiple regression analysis, the significant correlation was still maintained (beta = 0.67, t = 2.2, p = 0.04). Conclusion This preliminary study indicated that six ketamine infusions were not harmful but were slightly beneficial for speed of processing in TRBD. However, this change was mainly accounted for the improvement of depression symptoms over time. Lower baseline working memory appears to be associated with greater antidepressant response after completion of six ketamine infusions in patients with TRBD.

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Bipolar Disorder, Obesity and Cognitive Impairment

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.2167 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 41 (S1) ◽

pp. S207-S207 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

M. La Montagna ◽

E. Stella ◽

F. Ricci ◽

L. Borraccino ◽

A.I. Triggiani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bipolar Disorder ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Problem Solving ◽

Cognitive Deficits ◽

Cognitive Functions ◽

Visual Learning ◽

Verbal Learning ◽

Speed Of Processing ◽

Anthropometric Measures ◽

Cognitive Domains

IntroductionAccording to scientific literature, cognitive impairment is a disabling feature of the bipolar disorder (BD), present in all the phases of the disease. Obesity and metabolic disorders represent another risk factor for cognitive dysfunctions in BD, since the excess of weight could adversely influence several cognitive domains.ObjectiveTo highlight the presence of impairment of cognitive functions in a sample of subjects suffering from BD and obesity.AimsEvaluation of the cognitive performance in a sample of BD patients, considering their anthropometric measures (height and weight) and body mass index (BMI).MethodsThe neuropsychological battery MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) was administered by trained physicians for the evaluation of seven different cognitive domains in 46 patients (mean age: 43.17 years old; 39.13% male), affected by BD enrolled in the psychiatric unit of Azienda Sanitaria Locale and University of Foggia. In particular, cognitive functions assessed were speed of processing, attention/vigilance, working memory, verbal learning, visual learning, reasoning and problem solving, and social cognition. BMI was calculated, and patients were divided into a group of normal weight and another one of overweight or obese, on the base of BMI value (BMI cut-off = 25).ResultsThe obese patients amounted at 56.52%. We have found the presence of cognitive deficits in two of the seven domains assessed, that are speed of processing (P < 0.01) and reasoning and problem solving (P < 0.05) in the sample of overweight patients.ConclusionsCognitive deficits are clearly revealed in BD patients during the euthymic phase of the disorder. The obesity in BD could contribute to increase dysfunctions in cognitive domains.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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M59. THE ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN THEORY OF MIND AND NEUROCOGNITION IN RECENT ONSET PSYCHOSIS

Schizophrenia Bulletin ◽

10.1093/schbul/sbaa030.371 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 46 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S157-S157

Author(s):

Élisabeth Thibaudeau ◽

William Pothier ◽

Andréanne Lavoie ◽

Mélissa Turcotte ◽

Amélie M Achim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Working Memory ◽

Problem Solving ◽

Theory Of Mind ◽

Executive Functions ◽

Visual Learning ◽

Verbal Learning ◽

Mental States ◽

Speed Of Processing ◽

Recent Onset ◽

Reasoning Problem

Abstract Background Deficits in theory of mind (ToM), the ability to infer the mental states of others, are common in psychotic disorders and are associated with functioning difficulties. While ToM is a social cognitive process, several neurocognitive processes are involved when inferring the mental states of others. A better understanding of the associations between ToM and neurocognitive domains could help better target treatment for ToM in schizophrenia. A recent meta-analysis has revealed that all neurocognitive domains are moderately associated with ToM in schizophrenia, but very few studies have looked at these associations in recent onset psychosis. These studies showed associations between ToM and speed of processing, episodic memory and executive functions although few neurocognitive domains have been assessed in each study. The aim of this study was to determine the associations between ToM and the key neurocognitive domains in recent onset psychosis. Methods These results are part of a larger study that aimed to determine the cognitive predictors of return to work or school in recent onset psychosis. Twenty-seven recent onset psychosis patients were recruited for this study, with a mean age of 24.9 years. The clinical assessment included the Combined Stories Test for ToM and the Matrics Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) for neurocognition. The MCCB assesses the key cognitive domains relevant for schizophrenia, including attention/vigilance, speed of processing, working memory, verbal learning, visual learning, reasoning/problem solving and social cognition. Pearson correlations were conducted between the ToM scores of the Combined Stories Test and each neurocognitive domain of the MCCB. Results Correlations revealed a moderate to strong association between ToM and working memory (r = 0.443, p = 0.021), visual learning (r = 0.493, p = 0.009) and verbal learning (r = 0.443, p = 0.021). The correlations between ToM and attention/vigilance, speed of processing and reasoning/problem solving were not significant (p > 0.05). Discussion This is the first study that has assessed the associations between ToM and the neurocognitive domains of the MCCB in recent onset psychosis. This study did not show association between ToM and speed of processing nor executive functions, but rather with working memory and learning. These contradictory results could be explained by the large heterogeneity of tasks used across studies, particularly ToM tasks that often present with psychometric limitations such as ceiling effect. Learning processes highlighted here should be considered in the understanding of the therapeutic response following a cognitive remediation therapy for ToM in recent onset psychosis.

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Evaluation of Cognitive Dysfunction in a Sample of Patients Affected by Bipolar Disorder

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.2181 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 41 (S1) ◽

pp. S212-S212

Author(s):

E. Stella ◽

M. La Montagna ◽

L. Borraccino ◽

F. Ricci ◽

A.I. Triggiani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bipolar Disorder ◽

Working Memory ◽

Problem Solving ◽

Verbal Memory ◽

Visual Learning ◽

Verbal Learning ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

Speed Of Processing ◽

Cognitive Disturbances ◽

Competing Interest

IntroductionCognitive dysfunctions concerning working memory, attention, psychomotor speed, and verbal memory are a disabling feature of the bipolar disorder (BD). According to scientific literature, cognitive disturbances are present not only in depressive and manic phases of BD, but also during the euthymic period, without regard to whether or not drugs are assumed.ObjectiveTo determine the presence of one or more dysfunctions in cognitive domains in a sample of subjects suffering from BD, in euthymic phase, compared with healthy controls.AimsEvaluation of the following cognitive performances in subjects affected by BD: speed of processing, attention/vigilance, working memory, verbal learning, visual learning, reasoning and problem solving, and social cognition.MethodsForty-six patients affected by BD in the euthymic phase (mean age: 43.17 years old; 39.13% male), and 58 healthy controls (mean age: 39.21 years old; 51.72% male) were enrolled in the psychiatric unit of Azienda Sanitaria Locale, Foggia. The neuropsychological battery MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB) was administered by trained psychiatrists.ResultsWe found the presence of cognitive impairment, affecting six out of seven of cognitive functions assessed (P < 0.001): speed of processing, attention/vigilance, working memory, verbal learning, visual learning, reasoning and problem solving.ConclusionsThese preliminary results from our case-control study show that cognitive deficits are clearly present also during the euthymic phases of subjects with bipolar disorder (mainly pertaining attention/vigilance domain). These cognitive abnormalities may represent a biomarker of bipolar disorder.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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Abstract 2718: Cognitive Function is Poorer in Heart Failure

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.118.suppl_18.s_768-a ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽

Author(s):

Susan J Pressler ◽

Usha Subramanian ◽

David Kareken ◽

Susan M Perkins ◽

Irmina Gradus-Pizlo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Failure ◽

Working Memory ◽

Executive Function ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Cognitive Deficits ◽

Verbal Learning ◽

Small Samples ◽

Psychomotor Speed ◽

Delayed Recall ◽

Comparison Groups

Background: Heart failure (HF) patients have been found to have cognitive deficits but studies have been limited by small samples and lack of comparison groups. Objective: To determine the types, frequency, and severity of cognitive deficits among patients (pts) with chronic HF compared to age- and education-matched healthy (HC) participants and participants with major medical conditions but not HF (MC). Methods: In this comparative study, face-to-face interviews were completed by 414 participants (249 HF pts, 63 HC, 102 MC) to assess function in cognitive domains of language, working memory, memory (verbal learning total and delayed recall), psychomotor speed, and executive function. Characteristics of HF pts were: mean age 62.9 yrs; 63% men; mean education 12.9 yrs; mean LVEF 28%; NYHA I-15%; II-34%; III-39%; IV-12%). HC and MC groups were matched on education and premorbid intellect, but HC were younger than HF and MC groups. Comparisons among the 3 groups were made using ANCOVA adjusting for intellect, age, and education. Family members of all participants were interviewed separately to validate cognitive deficits. Results: No differences were found among HF, HC and MC participants in language or working memory. In verbal learning total recall, HF pts had poorer scores than HC and MC participants (p<.0001). In delayed recall, HF pts had poorer scores than MC participants (p=.0152). In psychomotor speed, HF pts had poorer scores than HC and MC participants (p<.0001) on 1 test and poorer scores than MC (p=.0177) on the 2 nd . In executive function (verbal fluency and mental flexibility), HF pts had poorer scores than MC participants (p = .0022; p = .0428). Family member reported more difficulty in memory among HF pts (p< .0001) than HC ((p< .0001) and more negative behavior changes than HC (p=.0025) and MC participants (p=.0291). Conclusions: This carefully characterized sample of HF pts had poorer cognitive function than HC and MC participants. Domains most affected were memory, psychomotor speed processing, and executive function. Studies are needed to 1) evaluate the trajectory of cognitive function across the trajectory of HF; and 2) test novel interventions to improve cognitive function in HF.

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Cognitive dysfunction in adolescents with chronic fatigue: a cross-sectional study

Archives of Disease in Childhood ◽

10.1136/archdischild-2014-306764 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 100 (9) ◽

pp. 838-844 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Dag Sulheim ◽

Even Fagermoen ◽

Øyvind Stople Sivertsen ◽

Anette Winger ◽

Vegard Bruun Wyller ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Working Memory ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Processing Speed ◽

Sleep Problems ◽

Verbal Learning ◽

Chronic Fatigue ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cognitive Inhibition ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional

ObjectiveTo compare cognitive function in adolescents with chronic fatigue with cognitive function in healthy controls (HC).Study designCross-sectional study.SettingPaediatric department at Oslo University Hospital, Norway.Participants120 adolescents with chronic fatigue (average age 15.4 years; range 12–18) and 39 HC (average age 15.2 years; range 12–18).MethodsThe adolescents completed a neurocognitive test battery measuring processing speed, working memory, cognitive inhibition, cognitive flexibility, verbal learning and verbal memory, and questionnaires addressing demographic data, depression symptoms, anxiety traits, fatigue and sleep problems. Parents completed the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF), which measures the everyday executive functions of children.ResultsAdolescents with chronic fatigue had impaired cognitive function compared to HC regarding processing speed (mean difference 3.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 5.5, p=0.003), working memory (−2.4, −3.7 to −1.1, p<0.001), cognitive inhibition response time (6.2, 0.8 to 11.7, p=0.025) and verbal learning (−1.7, −3.2 to −0.3, p=0.022). The BRIEF results indicated that everyday executive functions were significantly worse in the chronic fatigue group compared to the HC (11.2, 8.2 to 14.3, p<0.001). Group differences remained largely unaffected when adjusted for symptoms of depression, anxiety traits and sleep problems.ConclusionsAdolescents with chronic fatigue had impaired cognitive function of clinical relevance, measured by objective cognitive tests, in comparison to HC. Working memory and processing speed may represent core difficulties.

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Executive Functions: Influence of Sex, Age and Its Relationship With Intelligence

Paidéia (Ribeirão Preto) ◽

10.1590/1982-43272562201512 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 25 (62) ◽

pp. 383-392

Author(s):

Larissa de Oliveira e Ferreira ◽

Daniela Sacramento Zanini ◽

Alessandra Gotuzo Seabra

Keyword(s):

Working Memory ◽

Executive Functions ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Perceptual Organization ◽

Age Groups ◽

Neuropsychiatric Disorders ◽

Discriminative Power ◽

Speed Of Processing ◽

Intelligence Scale ◽

Tower Of Hanoi

AbstractThe Tower of Hanoi is a tool used to evaluate executive functions. However, few studies describe what functions are evaluated in this test. This study investigates the executive functions, evaluated by the Tower of Hanoi (ToH), and the influence of gender, age and its relationship with intelligence. We evaluated 55 children and adolescents, between the ages of ten and 16, without diagnosed neuropsychiatric disorders. The results showed that the performance and time in to complete the Tower of Hanoi have no discriminative power when comparing age groups and sex; there was also no significant correlation found between the ToH and the execution quotient of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Third Edition (WISC III), perceptual organization and the speed of processing. Only the subtest coding were positively related to the ToH, demonstrating that these instruments may be measuring related aspects of intelligence and executive functions, namely intelligence and working memory.

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Subgroup analysis of the influence of body mass index on the association between serum lipids and cognitive function in Chinese population

10.21203/rs.2.19766/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jiang Li ◽

Yongtong Cao ◽

Cheng Xiao

Keyword(s):

Blood Pressure ◽

Body Mass Index ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Body Mass ◽

Serum Lipids ◽

Smoking Status ◽

Female Group ◽

Function Score ◽

Nutrition Survey ◽

Cognitive Function Score

Abstract Background: Previous studies reported that the association between lipid levels and cognitive function related with gender, age and specific cognitive domains, but the influence of body mass index (BMI) on this association is limited. This triggered our interest in exploring how serum lipids relate to cognitive function in different subgroups. Methods: Data was collected from 2009 wave and 2015 wave of China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS). Multivariable linear regression analyses examined serum lipids level as predictors of sex- and age-specific measure of cognitive function in different BMI levels, which were adjusted for nationality, BMI, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), smoking status, alcohol consumption and education level. Results: Cognitive function score have different concentration curves in serum lipids quartile levels in different BMI categories. After adjustment for confounding factors, serum TG was positively associated with cognitive function score in underweight (β±SE: 2.06±0.88, P=0.023) and obese (β±SE: 1.44±0.71, P=0.045) male group, and serum HDL-C was positively associated with cognitive function score in overweight (β±SE: 1.89±0.92, P=0.041) and obese (β±SE: 5.04±1.62, P=0.002) female group. Serum TC was negatively associated with cognitive function score in overweight (β±SE: -2.55±1.26, P=0.043) mid-life adults, and serum HDL-C was positively associated with cognitive function score in overweight (β±SE: 2.15±0.94, P=0.022) and obese (β±SE: 5.33±2.07, P=0.011) older adults. Conclusion: The associations of serum lipids with cognitive function were related with BMI levels and differed between gender and age groups. This result indicated that better nutritional status has superior cognitive function performance.

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