scholarly journals A-48 The Role of Processing Speed in Verbal and Nonverbal Learning within a Clinical Sample of Older Adults.

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 907-907
Author(s):  
N Hawley ◽  
H Brunet ◽  
J Miller
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Clinical Sample ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Adult Intelligence Scale ◽  
Nonverbal Learning ◽  
Learning Trials

Abstract Objective Prior research revealed that processing speed predicts nonverbal learning in healthy older adults (Tam & Schmitter-Edgecombe, 2013). This study aims to examine the role of processing speed in both verbal and nonverbal learning in a clinical sample. We expect that processing speed will lend the most variance to the initial learning trials. Method Records from 718 patients were reviewed (mean age = 74). Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted using Brief Visuospatial Memory Test –Revised (BVMT-R) and Hopkins Verbal Learning Test –Revised (HVLT-R) learning trials as outcome variables. Demographics were entered in a first step followed by BVMT-R copy or Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV) Digit Span –longest digit span forward raw score, to account for visuoconstruction or simple auditory attention for nonverbal and verbal learning outcomes respectively. A processing speed composite of sample-standardized raw scores was entered in a final step. Results Processing speed accounted for 5.4% of the variance in BVMT-R trial 1, 7.5% of the variance in trial 2, and 8.5% of the variance in trial 3, all p < .001. Processing speed accounted for 6.6% of the variance in HVLT-R trial 1, 11.1% of the variance in trial 2, and 11.5% of the variance in trial 3, all p < .001. Conclusions Processing speed significantly predicted all verbal and nonverbal learning trials. Contrary to our hypotheses, processing speed actually had a greater contribution during subsequent learning trials. These findings have implications for evaluating memory performance in patients with syndromes where processing speed is typically affected (e.g., cerebrovascular disease, Parkinson’s disease).

Is the Cutoff of the MoCA too High? Longitudinal Data From Highly Educated Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 155-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Odelia Elkana ◽  
Noy Tal ◽  
Noga Oren ◽  
Shani Soffer ◽  
Elissa L. Ash
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Cognitive Assessment ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Cutoff Score ◽  
Adult Intelligence Scale ◽  
Cognitively Normal ◽  
Highly Educated

Background: The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is widely used to evaluate cognitive decline in older individuals. Although, age and education-related norms have been published, the vast majority of diagnostic clinicians use the MoCA cutoff score to identify patients with cognitive impairment. Aim: To identify whether the MoCA cutoff is too stringent for cognitively normal older adults. Methods: Twenty-seven participants aged 68 to 83 (mean = 75.07, standard deviation [SD] = 4.62), with high education level (mean = 17.14 years, SD = 3.21) underwent cognitive assessment once a year for 5 consecutive years. The cognitive assessment included MoCA; Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test; Rey Osterrieth Complex Figure test; Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Information and Digit Span Subtest; Trail Making Test; Verbal Fluency Test; and Beck Depression Inventory questionnaire. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze all standardized scores as well as MoCA standardized and raw scores across all years. Results: Repeated-measures ANOVA for MoCA raw scores yielded significant decline across the years ( P < .05). From the second year and forward, the average MoCA total score was below the cutoff of 26/30. However, in substantial contrast, all other neuropsychological scores and the MoCA standardized scores were within the normal range and even above in all years. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that the currently used MoCA cutoff is too high even for highly educated, cognitively normal older adults. Therefore, it is crucial to use the age- and education-related norms for the MoCA in order to avoid misdiagnosis of cognitive decline.

scholarly journals A-028 Utilizing Virtual Reality to Assess the Relationship between Prospective Memory and Processing Speed

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 818-818
Author(s):  
Sawyer J ◽  
Barnett M ◽  
Bennett L ◽  
Donnell R ◽  
Flair A ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Prospective Memory ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Adult Intelligence Scale ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Crucial Component ◽  
Memory Measure ◽  
Event Based

Abstract Objective Processing speed may partially mediate age-related differences in prospective memory (PM) abilities (West & Craik, 2001). The present preliminary study aimed to further investigate the relationships between prospective memory and processing speed by utilizing a novel virtual reality-based prospective memory measure. The task was designed to assess the impacts of a virtual environment would facilitate a deeper level of processing and enhance prospective memory performance. Method 49 older adults (M = 73.87, SD = 8.24) and 39 younger adults(M = 18.87, SD =1.61) completed the Coding subtest of the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS- IV) as well as a virtual-reality prospective memory measure that utilized both time-based and event-based cues. Results Coding was strongly correlated with PM time-based cues (r = .43, p &#60; .01) and event-based cues (r = .53, p &lt; .001). There were no correlations between processing speed and prospective memory in the young adult sample. Conclusion This study suggests that processing speed is strongly related to virtual-reality based PM and suggests that processing speed is a crucial component in prospective memory outcomes in older adults. This novel task virtual reality task may provide construct validity against other prospective memory measures.

scholarly journals A-213 Comparing WAIS-IV Reliable Digit Span and Age Corrected Scaled Score’s Performance Validity Cutoffs when Patients’ Effort is Determined by One or More Performance Validity Tests (PVTs)

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 1008-1008
Author(s):  
Livingstone J ◽  
Reese C
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
Clinical Sample ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Wisconsin Card Sorting Test ◽  
Performance Validity ◽  
Card Sorting ◽  
Cut Scores ◽  
Adult Intelligence Scale ◽  
Cut Score

Abstract Objective The purpose of the present study was to compare Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV (WAIS-IV) Reliable Digit Span (RDS) and Digit Span Age-Corrected Scaled Score (DS-ACSS) sensitivity and specificity, when the effort criterion was determined by between one and five performance validity test (PVT) cut scores. Method Data were collected from 82 adults (18–49) referred for clinical questions of multiple sclerosis, mild traumatic brain injury, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Patients were administered full neuropsychological batteries,with different combinations of PVTs (including Advanced Clinical Solutions Word Choice, Animals raw score, Trails A T-score, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test [WCST; Suhr & Boyer] equation, and California Verbal Learning Test-II Forced Choice). Chi-square and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were utilized. Results Using established RDS (≤7) and DS-ACSS (≤6) cut scores, specificity was highest (90&37; and 86%, respectively), with equivalent sensitivity (90%), when effort was determined by WCST (Suhr & Boyer) equation failure alone. Related area under the curve for RDS was .90 (CI = .76–1.0) and for DS-ACSS was .88 (CI = .74–1.0). Conclusions In this clinical sample, the highest sensitivity and specificity were observed when the RDS cut score was utilized, and effort was based on the WCST criterion. However, the DS-ACSS cut score resulted in strong sensitivity/specificity combinations across more effort classification groups.

scholarly journals Brain Training and Sulforaphane Intake Interventions Separately Improve Cognitive Performance in Healthy Older Adults, Whereas a Combination of These Interventions Does Not Have More Beneficial Effects: Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 352
Author(s):  
Rui Nouchi ◽  
Qingqiang Hu ◽  
Toshiki Saito ◽  
Natasha Yuriko dos Santos Kawata ◽  
Haruka Nouchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Active Control ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Brain Training ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Double Blinded

Background: Earlier studies have demonstrated that a single-domain intervention, such as a brain-training (BT) game alone and a sulforaphane (SFN) intake, positively affects cognition. This study examined whether a combined BT and SFN intake intervention has beneficial effects on cognitive function in older adults. Methods: In a 12-week double-blinded randomized control trial, 144 older adults were randomly assigned to one of four groups: BT with SFN (BT-S), BT with placebo (BT-P), active control game (AT) with SFN (AT-S), and active control game with placebo (AT-P). We used Brain Age in BT and Tetris in AT. Participants were asked to play BT or AT for 15 min a day for 12 weeks while taking a supplement (SFN or placebo). We measured several cognitive functions before and after the intervention period. Results: The BT (BT-S and BT-P) groups showed more improvement in processing speed than the active control groups (AT-S and AT-P). The SFN intake (BT-S and AT-S) groups recorded significant improvements in processing speed and working memory performance unlike the placebo intake groups (BT-P and AT-P). However, we did not find any evidence of the combined intervention’s beneficial effects on cognition. Discussion: We discussed a mechanism to improve cognitive functions in the BT and SFN alone interventions.

scholarly journals ECOLOGICAL MOMENTARY ASSESSMENT OF ASSOCIATIONS AMONG HIGH AND LOW AROUSAL AFFECT AND COGNITIVE HEALTH

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S963-S963
Author(s):  
Eric S Cerino ◽  
Martin Sliwinski
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Cognitive Resources ◽  
Cognitive Health ◽  
High Arousal ◽  
Affective Influences ◽  
Ecological Momentary ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Negative affect (NA) and positive affect (PA) vary from moment-to-moment and these variations are associated with cognitive health. Past work has primarily focused on valence (negative/positive), however, largely ignoring the potential import of arousal (high/low). We address this gap by assessing the impact of high and low arousal NA and PA on daily cognition. A sample of 238 older adults (Mage=77.30 years, SD=5.14, Range=70–90) completed mobile surveys up to four times daily for 14 days. Participants reported current levels of high and low arousal NA and PA and performed processing speed and working memory tasks. For processing speed, there were significant within-person affect by age interactions. Moments when low arousal NA was higher than usual were associated with slower processing speed (Est.=0.87, SE=0.44, p&lt;.05), and this effect was amplified in older participants (Est.=1.69, SE=0.60, p&lt;.01). Moments when high arousal PA was higher than usual were associated with faster processing speed (Est.=-0.81, SE=0.40, p&lt;.05), and this effect was amplified in younger participants (Est.=-1.81, SE=0.56, p&lt;.01). For working memory, a significant within-person high arousal PA by age interaction emerged (Est.=0.001, SE=0.00, p=.046) such that moments when high arousal PA was higher than usual were marginally associated with worse working memory performance only among older participants (Est.=0.004, SE=0.002, p=.06). Results suggest momentary increases in low arousal NA and high arousal PA may confer greatest risk to daily cognitive health among older adults with more limited capacity and/or cognitive resources, whereas affective influences may be more facilitative among comparatively younger adults.

scholarly journals A-011 Stability of Impairment Rating Discrepancies in a Longitudinal Observational Alzheimer’s Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 801-801
Author(s):  
Kaylegian J ◽  
Ritter A ◽  
Caldwell J
Keyword(s):  
Rating Scale ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Clinical Dementia Rating ◽  
Adult Intelligence Scale ◽  
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale ◽  
Wide Range Achievement Test ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Wechsler Adult Intelligence

Abstract Objective The present study investigated frequency and 12-month persistence of discrepant Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) and comprehensive neuropsychological assessment ratings of impairment. Methods We examined CDR and neuropsychological test scores from year 1 and 2 visits of 162 adults enrolled in a longitudinal observational study. Neuropsychological measures included Wide Range Achievement Test, American National Adult Reading Test, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised, Dementia Rating Scale 2nd edition, Boston Naming, Verbal Fluency/Color Word Interference from the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System, Judgment of Line Orientation, Trail Making Test, Symbol Digit Modalities Test, and Digit Span/Letter Number Sequencing from The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale 4th edition. Discrepancies were defined as: CDR = 0 and 2 test impairments, CDR = 0.5 and &gt; 5 or 0 impairments, CDR = 1 and 0 impairments. Results Including all test domains, 40.1% of participants in year 1 and 44.3% in year 2 showed discrepancies. 69% maintained this discrepancy at year 2 and 68% of these showed no change in discrepancy type. Considering only memory tests, 37% of participants in year 1 and 28.4% in year 2 showed discrepancies, with 45% maintaining at year 2 (74% showing no change in discrepancy type). A majority of discrepancies observed in both years 1 and 2 revealed the CDR was under reporting impairment compared to the neuropsychological battery year. Conclusions The results provide evidence that within our study population, impairment as rated by the CDR frequently does not match the level of measured cognitive impairment and this observation is stable year to year.

scholarly journals A-202 A Normative Study of Neuropsychological Functioning in a Clinical Sample of Aviation Pilots

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 997-997
Author(s):  
Crane A ◽  
Dacosta A ◽  
Roccaforte A ◽  
Davies M ◽  
Prewett D ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Sample ◽  
Neuropsychological Functioning ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Federal Aviation Administration ◽  
Normative Study ◽  
Short Delay ◽  
Adult Intelligence Scale ◽  
Neuropsychological Evaluations ◽  
Aviation Pilots

Abstract Objective Neuropsychological evaluations are mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure that pilots with certain known or suspected medical/neurological or psychiatric conditions do not have neurocognitive sequelae that would impair their ability to safely carry out their responsibilities (Federal Aviation Administration, 2020). However, intact pilots’ performance on cognitive measures appears unique compared to the general population (Causse, Dehias, Arexis, & Pastor, 2011). In an effort to make appropriate comparisons, the current study thus presents normative data on the FAA core neuropsychological test battery. Method Sixty-three aviation pilots (age 25–62, M = 44.9, SD = 0.235) underwent neuropsychological testing using the FAA core battery following referral for alcohol utilization. All participants were considered to be cognitively intact at the time of their evaluations. Results Participants’ average IQ on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale 4th edition (WAIS-IV) fell in the Superior range using traditional norms (M = 125.29, SD = 10.04). Pilots performed better than “average” across a number of neuropsychological measures. For example, pilots completed Trails-A in 19.38 seconds (SD = 4.10) and Trails-B in 40.73 seconds (SD = 10.56), which is approximately 10 seconds faster than average among individuals aged 35–44 years. Meanwhile, pilots recalled an average of 15.08 out of 16 words on the California Verbal Learning Test Version 2 (CVLT-II) short delay and 15.34 words on the CVLT-II long delay. Conclusion(s) This study provides comparison data for future neuropsychological evaluations of pilots with alcohol concerns. The data suggests that pilots generally outperform the civilian population across neuropsychological tests.

scholarly journals A-019 Predictors of Memory Strategy Use in Healthy Older Adults

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 809-809
Author(s):  
Pizzonia K ◽  
Suhr J
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Strategy Use ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
External Memory ◽  
Memory Ability ◽  
Memory Strategies ◽  
Internal Memory ◽  
Memory Strategy

Abstract Objectives Older adults often use memory strategies to assist with age-associated memory changes, and interventions targeting successful memory strategy use may promote independence. However, individuals vary in their use of memory strategies. We investigated individual difference factors involved in memory strategy use in older adults. Method As part of a larger study on stress and aging, 123 healthy community-dwelling adults over the age of 50 completed various assessments. The present analyses included 91 participants (54% female, mean age 60.80, SD = 8.75) who had completed all measures of interest. Reported external and internal memory strategy use and anxiety about memory ability were measured by the Metamemory in Adulthood (MIA) questionnaire. Psychological variables were measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and MIA. Memory and working memory performance were assessed using the RBANS, Auditory-Verbal Learning Test, and Auditory Consonant Trigrams. Results Within the context of our model, we found that education (p = .036) and anxiety about memory performance (p = .010) predicted internal memory strategy use, while gender (p = .011), education (p &lt; .001), and anxiety about memory ability (p = .011) predicted external memory strategy use. None of the other variables were related to memory strategy use. Conclusions Though cross-sectional in nature, our results have implications for understanding successful memory strategy use. Regarding demographics, female gender and higher education predicted external memory strategy use, while only education predicted internal memory strategy use. Also, anxiety about memory performance predicted the use of internal and external memory strategies rather than objective memory performance.

scholarly journals Physical Activity Improves Verbal and Spatial Memory in Older Adults with Probable Mild Cognitive Impairment: A 6-Month Randomized Controlled Trial

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay S. Nagamatsu ◽  
Alison Chan ◽  
Jennifer C. Davis ◽  
B. Lynn Beattie ◽  
Peter Graf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Spatial Memory ◽  
Aerobic Training ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Training Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Randomized Controlled

We report secondary findings from a randomized controlled trial on the effects of exercise on memory in older adults with probable MCI. We randomized 86 women aged 70–80 years with subjective memory complaints into one of three groups: resistance training, aerobic training, or balance and tone (control). All participants exercised twice per week for six months. We measured verbal memory and learning using the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) and spatial memory using a computerized test, before and after trial completion. We found that the aerobic training group remembered significantly more items in the loss after interference condition of the RAVLT compared with the control group after six months of training. In addition, both experimental groups showed improved spatial memory performance in the most difficult condition where they were required to memorize the spatial location of three items, compared with the control group. Lastly, we found a significant correlation between spatial memory performance and overall physical capacity after intervention in the aerobic training group. Taken together, our results provide support for the prevailing notion that exercise can positively impact cognitive functioning and may represent an effective strategy to improve memory in those who have begun to experience cognitive decline.

Working memory and aging: A cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis using a self-ordered pointing task

2004 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 489-503 ◽  
Author(s):  
NAOMI CHAYTOR ◽  
MAUREEN SCHMITTER-EDGECOMBE
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Longitudinal Analysis ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Relative Contribution ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Intellectual Abilities ◽  
Pointing Task

Age-related declines in working memory performance have been associated with deficits in inhibition, strategy use, processing speed, and monitoring. In the current study, cross-sectional and longitudinal methodologies were used to investigate the relative contribution of these components to age-related changes in working memory. In Experiment 1, a sample of 140 younger and 140 older adults completed an abstract design version of the Self-Ordered Pointing Task modeled after Shimamura and Jurica (1994). Experiment 1 revealed that only processing speed and monitoring explained age differences in SOPT performance. Participants in Experiment 2 were 53 older adults who returned 4 years after the initial testing and 53 young adults. A task that assessed the ability to generate and monitor an internal series of responses as compared to an externally imposed series of responses was also administered. Experiment 2 replicated the key findings from Experiment 1 and provided some further evidence for age-related internal monitoring difficulties. Furthermore, the exploratory longitudinal analysis revealed that older age and lower intellectual abilities tended to be associated with poorer performance on the SOPT at Time 2. (JINS, 2004, 10, 489–503.)

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