scholarly journals Demographic Effects on Longitudinal Semantic Processing, Working Memory, and Cognitive Speed

2020 ◽  
Vol 75 (9) ◽  
pp. 1850-1862 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jet M J Vonk ◽  
Eve Higby ◽  
Alexandre Nikolaev ◽  
Dalia Cahana-Amitay ◽  
Avron Spiro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Semantic Memory ◽  
Cognitive Domains ◽  
Memory Efficiency ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Cognitive Speed ◽  
Language And Cognition ◽  
Rate Of Decline ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Objectives To better understand and compare effects of aging and education across domains of language and cognition, we investigated whether (a) these domains show different associations with age and education, (b) these domains show similar patterns of age-related change over time, and (c) education moderates the rate of decline in these domains. Method We analyzed data from 306 older adults aged 55–85 at baseline of whom 116 returned for follow-up 4–8 years later. An exploratory factor analysis identified domains of language and cognition across a range of tasks. A confirmatory factor analysis analyzed cross-sectional associations of age and education with these domains. Subsequently, mixed linear models analyzed longitudinal change as a function of age and moderation by education. Results We identified 2 language domains, that is, semantic control and semantic memory efficiency, and 2 cognitive domains, that is, working memory and cognitive speed. Older age negatively affected all domains except semantic memory efficiency, and higher education positively affected all domains except cognitive speed at baseline. In language domains, a steeper age-related decline was observed after age 73–74 compared to younger ages, while cognition declined linearly with age. Greater educational attainment did not protect the rate of decline over time in any domain. Discussion Separate domains show varying effects of age and education at baseline, language versus cognitive domains show dissimilar patterns of age-related change over time, and education does not moderate the rate of decline in these domains. These findings broaden our understanding of age effects on cognitive and language abilities by placing observed age differences in context.

scholarly journals Language dominance and inhibition abilities in bilingual older adults

2013 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
MIRA GORAL ◽  
LUCA CAMPANELLI ◽  
AVRON SPIRO
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Language Use ◽  
Simon Task ◽  
Trail Making Test ◽  
Single Test ◽  
Cognitive Domains ◽  
Bilingual Advantage ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Trail Making

This study aimed to examine the so-called bilingual advantage in older adults’ performance in three cognitive domains and to identify whether language use and bilingual type (dominant vs. balanced) predicted performance. The participants were 106 Spanish–English bilinguals ranging in age from 50 years to 84 years. Three cognitive domains were examined (each by a single test): inhibition (the Simon task), alternating attention (the Trail Making test), and working memory (Month Ordering). The data revealed that age was negatively correlated to performance in each domain. Bilingual type – balanced vs. dominant – predicted performance and interacted with age only on the inhibition measure (the Simon task). Balanced bilinguals showed age-related inhibition decline (i.e., greater Simon effect with increasing age); in contrast, dominant bilinguals showed little or no age-related change. The findings suggest that bilingualism may offer cognitive advantage in older age only for a subset of bilinguals.

VStore: A Novel Virtual Reality Assessment of Functional Cognition (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lilla Alexandra Porffy ◽  
Mitul A. Mehta ◽  
Joel Patchitt ◽  
Celia Boussebaa ◽  
Jack Brett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Paired Associate ◽  
Model Fitting ◽  
Paired Associate Learning ◽  
Associate Learning ◽  
Cognitive Domains ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Age Related Cognitive Decline

BACKGROUND Cognitive deficits are present in a number of neuropsychiatric disorders including, Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia and depression. Assessments used to measure cognition in these disorders are time-consuming, burdensome, and have low ecological validity. To address these limitations, we developed a novel virtual reality shopping task – VStore. OBJECTIVE This study aims to establish the concurrent and construct validity of VStore in relation to the established computerized cognitive battery, Cogstate; and tests its sensitivity to age related cognitive decline. METHODS Hundred and four healthy volunteers aged 20-79 completed both assessments. Main VStore outcomes included: 1) verbal recall of 12 grocery items, 2) time to collect items, 3) time to select items on a self-checkout machine, 4) time to make the payment, 5) time to order coffee, and 6) total completion time. To establish concurrent validity, bivariate correlations were performed between VStore outcomes and Cogstate tasks measuring attention, processing speed, verbal and visual learning, working memory, executive function, and paired associate learning. Construct validity analysis was also performed to examine which cognitive domains best predicted VStore performance. Finally, two ridge regression models were built using VStore outcomes in the first, and Cogstate outcomes in the second model as predictors of biological age to compare their sensitivity to age-related cognitive decline. RESULTS We found moderate correlations between VStore and Cogstate outcomes. VStore Total Time was best explained by tasks measuring working memory and paired associate learning, in addition to age and technological familiarity, accounting for 46% of the variance. Finally, with λ = 5.16, the model fitting selected five parameters for VStore when predicting biological age (MSE = 185.8, SE= 19.34). With λ = 9.49 for Cogstate, the model fitting selected all eight tasks (MSE = 226.8, SE = 23.48). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that VStore is a promising assessment that engages standard cognitive domains and is sensitive to age-related cognitive decline. CLINICALTRIAL NA

scholarly journals Investigating the Effects of Spacing on Working Memory Training Outcome: A Randomized, Controlled, Multisite Trial in Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 75 (6) ◽  
pp. 1181-1192
Author(s):  
Susanne M Jaeggi ◽  
Martin Buschkuehl ◽  
Chelsea M Parlett-Pelleriti ◽  
Seung Min Moon ◽  
Michelle Evans ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Domain ◽  
Memory Training ◽  
Healthy Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Domains ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Before And After

Abstract Objective The majority of the population will experience some cognitive decline with age. Therefore, the development of effective interventions to mitigate age-related decline is critical for older adults’ cognitive functioning and their quality of life. Methods In our randomized controlled multisite trial, we target participants’ working memory (WM) skills, and in addition, we focus on the intervention’s optimal scheduling in order to test whether and how the distribution of training sessions might affect task learning, and ultimately, transfer. Healthy older adults completed an intervention targeting either WM or general knowledge twice per day, once per day, or once every-other-day. Before and after the intervention and 3 months after training completion, participants were tested in a variety of cognitive domains, including those representing functioning in everyday life. Results In contrast to our hypotheses, spacing seems to affect learning only minimally. We did observe some transfer effects, especially within the targeted cognitive domain (WM and inhibition/interference), which remained stable at the 3-month follow-up. Discussion Our findings have practical implications by showing that the variation in training schedule, at least within the range used here, does not seem to be a crucial element for training benefits.

scholarly journals DHA Manuscript

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rakesh Balachandar ◽  
Soundarya S ◽  
Bhavani Shankara Bagepally
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cognitive Domains ◽  
Standard Mean Difference ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Confounding Variables ◽  
Randomized Control ◽  
Age Related Cognitive Decline

Purpose: To investigate the role of DHA supplementation in preventing Age Related Cognitive Decline (ARCD) in cognitive domains by conducting systematic review and meta-analysis.Methods: Relevant clinical trials were systematically searched at Medline-Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane, ProQuest and Embase databases since inception to June 2018. The PRISMA guidelines were adhered for data abstraction, quality assessment and validity of included randomized control trails. Study details such as participant characteristics, DHA supplementation and cognitive function outcome measures i.e. memory, attention, working memory and executive function scores, were extracted and performed meta-analysis according to Cochrane guidelines. Additional meta-regression and subgroup analysis was performed to detect confounding variables and sensitivity of results respectively.Results: Ten studies including 2327 elderly individuals were part of the final results. Study exhibited minimal or no pooled incremental effects on memory (0.22, 95%CI=-0.17 to 0.61, I2=94.36%, p<0.001), attention (0.1, 95%CI=-0.04 to 0.25, I2=32.25%, p=0.18), working memory (0.01, 95%CI=-0.10 to 0.12, I2=0%, p=0.89) and executive function (0.03, 95%CI=-0.05 to 0.11, I2=78.48%, p<0.001) among DHA supplemented group. While results from standard mean difference between groups on memory (0.08, 95%CI=-0.12 to 0.28, I2=76.82%, p<0.001), attention (0.04, 95%CI=-0.09 to 0.23, I2=42.63%, p=0.11), working memory (-0.08, 95%CI=-0.26 to 0.10, I2=37.57%, p=0.17) and executive function (0.17, 95%CI=-0.01 to 0.36, I2=78.48%, p<0.001). Results remained unaffected in multiple sensitivity and sub-group analyses.Conclusions: Current evidences don’t support the role of DHA supplementation, in preventing / retarding ARCD of memory, executive function, attention and working memory.Protocol registered at PROSPERO (ID: PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018099401).

scholarly journals Fronto-Parietal Gray Matter Volume Loss Is Associated with Decreased Working Memory Performance in Adolescents with a First Episode of Psychosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (17) ◽  
pp. 3929
Author(s):  
Marta Rapado-Castro ◽  
Mara Villar-Arenzana ◽  
Joost Janssen ◽  
David Fraguas ◽  
Igor Bombin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Gray Matter ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Brain Maturation ◽  
First Episode ◽  
Volume Loss ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Brain Changes ◽  
Over Time

Cognitive maturation during adolescence is modulated by brain maturation. However, it is unknown how these processes intertwine in early onset psychosis (EOP). Studies examining longitudinal brain changes and cognitive performance in psychosis lend support for an altered development of high-order cognitive functions, which parallels progressive gray matter (GM) loss over time, particularly in fronto-parietal brain regions. We aimed to assess this relationship in a subsample of 33 adolescents with first-episode EOP and 47 matched controls over 2 years. Backwards stepwise regression analyses were conducted to determine the association and predictive value of longitudinal brain changes over cognitive performance within each group. Fronto-parietal GM volume loss was positively associated with decreased working memory in adolescents with psychosis (frontal left (B = 0.096, p = 0.008); right (B = 0.089, p = 0.015); parietal left (B = 0.119, p = 0.007), right (B = 0.125, p = 0.015)) as a function of age. A particular decrease in frontal left GM volume best predicted a significant amount (22.28%) of the variance of decreased working memory performance over time, accounting for variance in age (14.9%). No such association was found in controls. Our results suggest that during adolescence, EOP individuals seem to follow an abnormal neurodevelopmental trajectory, in which fronto-parietal GM volume reduction is associated with the differential age-related working memory dysfunction in this group.

A longitudinal evaluation of cognitive deficits in patients with first episode of psychosis

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S190-S190
Author(s):  
A. Dardagani ◽  
P. Athanasis ◽  
A. Lagoudis ◽  
A. Ramnalis ◽  
E. Ntouros ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
First Episode ◽  
Psychotic Episode ◽  
Cognitive Domains ◽  
Mental Flexibility ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
Over Time

It has been well documented in many studies till now that patients in their first episode of psychosis demonstrate cognitive deficits. However, it is yet to be made clear how these deficits progress. Deterioration, stability or even amelioration in some domains has been noted from researchers. The aim of this study was to examine the longitudinal course of cognitive deficits over time. We administered a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological test to a group of first psychotic episode patients at the acute phase, 6 months and 1 year later. The sample comprised of 25 patients (13 male) in the first episode of psychosis. Specific tests of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) were used. The cognitive domains of attention, memory, working memory, visuospatial ability and planning, mental flexibility/shifting were examined. Repeated measures ANOVA was used in order to detect changes in the patients’ performance over time. According to our data, there was an improvement from baseline to 6 months in attention, planning and visual working memory. There was no change in performance in these cognitive domains from 6 months to 1 year from baseline. Memory, mental flexibility/shifting and visuospatial memory remained stable over time. Our data suggest variability concerning neuropsychological performance in specific tests examining different domains. Evaluation of cognitive function in the first episode of psychosis needs more thorough and comprehensive research, in relation to its course over time.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Measurement Invariance of the Serbian Version of the Satisfaction With Life Scale Across Age, Gender, and Time

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 555-563 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veljko Jovanović
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Confirmatory Factor Analysis ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Satisfaction With Life Scale ◽  
Confirmatory Factor ◽  
Life Scale ◽  
Serbian Version ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Over Time

Abstract. The present research aimed at examining measurement invariance of the Serbian version of the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) across age, gender, and time. A total sample in Study 1 consisted of 2,595 participants from Serbia, with a mean age of 23.79 years (age range: 14–55 years). The final sample in Study 2 included 333 Serbian undergraduate students ( Mage = 20.81; age range: 20–27 years), who completed the SWLS over periods of 6 and 18 months after the initial assessment. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported the modified unidimensional model of the SWLS, with correlated residuals of items 4 and 5 tapping past satisfaction. The results of the multigroup confirmatory factor analysis supported the full scalar invariance across gender and over time and partial scalar invariance across age. Latent mean comparisons revealed that women reported higher life satisfaction than men. Additionally, adolescents reported higher life satisfaction than students and adults, with adults showing the lowest life satisfaction. Our findings indicate that the SWLS allows meaningful comparisons in life satisfaction across age, gender, and over time.

The Role of Vascular Aging in Atherosclerotic Plaque Development and Vulnerability

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (29) ◽  
pp. 3098-3111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Liberale ◽  
Giovanni G. Camici
Keyword(s):  
Atherosclerotic Plaque ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Plaque Burden ◽  
Vascular Aging ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Plaque Development ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time

Background: The ongoing demographical shift is leading to an unprecedented aging of the population. As a consequence, the prevalence of age-related diseases, such as atherosclerosis and its thrombotic complications is set to increase in the near future. Endothelial dysfunction and vascular stiffening characterize arterial aging and set the stage for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Atherosclerotic plaques evolve over time, the extent to which these changes might affect their stability and predispose to sudden complications remains to be determined. Recent advances in imaging technology will allow for longitudinal prospective studies following the progression of plaque burden aimed at better characterizing changes over time associated with plaque stability or rupture. Oxidative stress and inflammation, firmly established driving forces of age-related CV dysfunction, also play an important role in atherosclerotic plaque destabilization and rupture. Several genes involved in lifespan determination are known regulator of redox cellular balance and pre-clinical evidence underlines their pathophysiological roles in age-related cardiovascular dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Objective: The aim of this narrative review is to examine the impact of aging on arterial function and atherosclerotic plaque development. Furthermore, we report how molecular mechanisms of vascular aging might regulate age-related plaque modifications and how this may help to identify novel therapeutic targets to attenuate the increased risk of CV disease in elderly people.

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