Testing Cognitive Function at the Bedside

Author(s):  
John R. Hodges

Chapter 5 covers testing cognitive function at the bedside, and how the first part of the examination should assess distributed cognitive functions; deficits in these indicate damage to particular brain systems, but not to focal areas of one hemisphere. The second part of the assessment should deal with more localized functions, divided into those associated with the dominant (i.e. the left side, in right-handers) and non-dominant hemispheres.

Parasitology ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 104 (3) ◽  
pp. 539-547 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Nokes ◽  
S. M. Grantham-McGregor ◽  
A. W. Sawyer ◽  
E. S. Cooper ◽  
B. A. Robinson ◽  
...  

A double-blind placebo trial was conducted to determine the effect of moderate to high loads ofTrichuris trichiura(whipworm) infection on the cognitive functions of 159 school children (age 9–12 years) in Jamaica. Infected children were randomly assigned to Treatment or Placebo groups. A third group of randomly selected uninfected children were assigned to a Control for comparative purposes. The improvement in cognitive function was evaluated using a stepwise multiple linear regression, designed to control for any confounding variables. The expulsion of worms led to a significant improvement in tests of auditory short-term memory (P< 0.02;P< 0.01), and a highly significant improvement in the scanning and retrieval of long-term memory (P< 0.001). After 9 weeks, treated children were no longer significantly different from an uninfected Control group in these three tests of cognitive function. The removal ofT. trichiurawas more important thanAscaris lumbricoidesin determining this improvement. The results suggest that whipworm infection has an adverse effect on certain cognitive functions which is reversible by therapy.


Author(s):  
T. V. Zolotarova ◽  

Atrial fibrillation (AF) directly leads to a cognitive function decline regardless of the cerebrovascular fatal events, but it is unclear whether the sinus rhythm restoration and reducing the AF burden can reduce the rate of this decreasement. Data on the effect of radiofrequency ablation on patients’ cognitive functions are conflicting and need to be studied. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prognostic value of atrial fibrillation radiofrequency catheter ablation on cognitive functions in patients with chronic heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. The impact of AF radiofrequency catheter ablation on cognitive function in 136 patients (mean age 59.7 ± 8.6 years) with chronic heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction and compared with 58 patients in the control group (58.2 ± 8.1 years), which did not perform ablation and continued the tactics of drug antiarrhythmic therapy was investigated. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Test (MoCA) at the enrollment stage and 2 years follow-up. Decreased cognitive function was defined as a MoCA test score < 26 points, cognitive impairment < 23 points. Two years after the intervention, there was a positive dynamics (baseline MoCA test — 25,1 ± 2,48, 2-year follow-up — 26,51 ± 2,33, p < 0,001) in the ablation group and negative in the control group (25,47 ± 2,85 and 24,57 ± 3,61, respectively, p < 0,001). Pre-ablation cognitive impairment was significantly associated with improved cognitive function 2 years after AF ablation according to polynomial regression analysis. The obtained data suggest a probable positive effect of AF radiofrequency ablation on cognitive functions in patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (4) ◽  
pp. 66-76
Author(s):  
Оlena Kovalova

The article presents the results of testing of the developed online-training of cognitive functions of the brain, which was implemented on a separately created game platform using a set of specially developed games. The proposed results reveal the theoretical justification of the cognitive functions, which are selected for training: memory, thinking, attention, imagination, perception. The characteristics of each cognitive function to be stimulated in the conditions of online games are highlighted. We described the algorithm for games evaluating according to certain cognitive functions and their characteristics. An analysis of the effectiveness of evaluation is given. The results of completing by players of game sessions balanced on the chosen cognitive functions are described. A comparison of the effectiveness of stimulation of different cognitive functions depending on the motivation and choice of players is presented. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of online games in activation and stimulation of the cognitive functions of the human psyche. The research methods were based on our own developed algorithm for training success estimation, analysis of the results of online games, methods of mathematical statistics. The results of the study are presented on the basis of approbation of the developed training, conducted during two years. The analysis of the implementation of the training revealed the dependence of the effectiveness of stimulation of cognitive functions on the motivation and choice of the player. It is shown that when training on a balanced set of games, where all cognitive functions are present in equal shares, the effectiveness of training is not uniform and not balanced. It is investigated that the effectiveness of training depends on the quality of the game's effect on cognitive function. In order to take into account this quality of influence, all games were divided into two classes: actively shaping and passively stimulating. The distribution of games by classes was experimentally confirmed. A generalized analysis of the game sessions of all players for six months revealed cognitive functions which for the most players were better developed and more stimulated.


2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ina Swari Jabat ◽  
Busmin Gurning ◽  
Didik Santoso

This research is aimed to explore the cognitive function of metaphor in Jesus teaching in Lukas verses in parables. The research applies the Conceptual Metaphor Theory. The data is taken from fourteen verses of Lukas chapter 12 verse 35 to 48. The data analysis is applying the Creswell data analysis Hierarchal Data Analysis Technique. The data shows cognitive functions of Jesus’ Teachings to Bible’s readers. The data analysis revealed, there are 36 metaphors used. These metaphors are classified into categories of structural metaphors, ontological metaphors and orientational metaphors. The data show that Lukas chapter 12 verse 35 to 48 use the three cognitive function of metaphors, structural function, ontological function and orientational function. There is also with one additional function that there is metaphor formed as structural function but functioned as ontological function. And then, the metaphors are motivated by the similarity of experience between the metaphor and the back ground of the verses. Keywords: Conceptual Metaphors, Lukas Verses, Cognitive Function


Author(s):  
Aida Salihagic Kadic ◽  
Lara Spalldi Barisic

ABATRACT Human brain is fascinating organ in so many ways. Some of its cognitive functions, such as ability to learn, memorize, think, percept different sensations, such as pain, to have emotion, process audio-visual inputs, and to coordinate reaction and movements have been subjects of studies for many years. Yet, till recently, we could only make assumptions about prenatal activities, interactions and its construction of complex structures in the time frame of antenatal life. With the prenatal assessment (sonoembryology, neurosonoembryology, KANET test, etc.) by latest advanced HDlive, Silhouette and Flow 3D/4D imaging there is possibility to follow in continuity normal structural and functional development from the early beginnings of “life” and on the other hand consider what might be different (not necessarily abnormal) and deviate from normal development and behavior. On this way, we are able to supplement knowledge of fundamental building blocks of development of fetal cognitive functions, to pay more attention and follow up fetuses at higher risk and finally find some of the possible origins of cognitive dysfunctions which may manifest in childhood or later in life.82 With the introduction of different 3D/4D ultrasound modes we have ability to observe all of this in vivo while emerging, and make “time-lapse” of fetal neurodevelopment and behavior in correlation to its cognitive functional development How to cite this article Kurjak A, Spalldi Barisic L, Stanojevic M, Salihagic Kadic A, Porovic S. Are We Ready to investigate Cognitive Function of Fetal Brain? The Role of Advanced Fourdimensional Sonography. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2016;10(2):116-124.


2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (10) ◽  
pp. 791-801 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia C. Basso ◽  
Andrea Shang ◽  
Meredith Elman ◽  
Ryan Karmouta ◽  
Wendy A. Suzuki

AbstractThe effects of acute aerobic exercise on cognitive functions in humans have been the subject of much investigation; however, these studies are limited by several factors, including a lack of randomized controlled designs, focus on only a single cognitive function, and testing during or shortly after exercise. Using a randomized controlled design, the present study asked how a single bout of aerobic exercise affects a range of frontal- and medial temporal lobe-dependent cognitive functions and how long these effects last. We randomly assigned 85 subjects to either a vigorous intensity acute aerobic exercise group or a video watching control group. All subjects completed a battery of cognitive tasks both before and 30, 60, 90, or 120 min after the intervention. This battery included the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised, the Modified Benton Visual Retention Test, the Stroop Color and Word Test, the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, the Digit Span Test, the Trail Making Test, and the Controlled Oral Word Association Test. Based on these measures, composite scores were formed to independently assess prefrontal cortex- and hippocampal-dependent cognition. A three-way mixed Analysis of Variance was used to determine whether differences existed between groups in the change in cognitive function from pre- to post-intervention testing. Acute exercise improved prefrontal cortex- but not hippocampal-dependent functioning, with no differences found between delay groups. Vigorous acute aerobic exercise has beneficial effects on prefrontal cortex-dependent cognition and these effects can last for up to 2 hr after exercise. (JINS, 2015, 21, 791–801)


2000 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 183-202 ◽  

This paper reviews the value and utility of measuring cognitive function in the development of new medicines by reference to the most widely used automated system in clinical research. Evidence is presented from phase 1 to 3 of the nature and quality of the information that can be obtained by applying the Cognitive Drug Research computerized assessment system to ongoing clinical trials. Valuable evidence can be obtained even in the first trial in which a novel compound is administered to man. One application of such testing is to ensure that novel compounds are relatively free from cognition-impairing properties, particularly in relation to competitor products. Another is to ensure that unwanted interactions with alcohol and other medications do not occur, or, if they do, to put them in context. In many patient populations, cognitive dysfunction occurs as a result of the disease process, and newer medicines which can treat the symptoms of the disease without further impairing function can often reveal benefits as the disease-induced cognitive dysfunction is reduced. Another major application is to identify benefits for compounds designed to enhance cognitive function. Such effects can be sought in typical phase 1 trials, or a scopolamine model of the core deficits of Alzheimer's disease can be used to screen potential antidernentia drugs. Ultimately, of course, such effects can be demonstrated using properly validated and highly sensitive automated procedures in the target populations. The data presented demonstrate that the concept of independently assessing a variety of cognitive functions is crucial in helping differentiate drugs, types of dementia, and different illnesses. Such information offers a unique insight into how the alterations to various cognitive functions will manifest themselves in everyday behavior. This reveals a major limitation of scales that yield a single score, because such limited information does not permit anything but a quantitative interpretation; and the concept of "more" cognitive function or "less" is manifestly inappropriate for something as complex and diverse as the interplay between cognitive function and human behavior. Finally, the next generations of cognitive testing are described. Testing via the telephone has just been introduced and will have dramatic effects on the logistics of conducting cognitive testing in large patient trials. Testing via the Internet is not far off either, and will come fully into play as the proportion of homes connected to the Internet increases in Europe and North America. There are no sound reasons for not wishing to include cognitive function testing in the development protocol of any novel medicine.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yusti Muzdalifa Taplo ◽  
Agnes Madianung ◽  
Esrom Kanine

Abstrack: Dominoes is one leisure activity that is familiar and easy to be played by all ages,including the elderly. When playing dominoes then the elderly will feel relaxed and relaxes themind that stimulates brain cells that eventually can maintain cognitive function, one numeracy.The Aim of the research to know the activity of playing domino as a medium to improvecognitive function counting on the elderly. The method of this research uses quasi experiment,research design with pretest-posttest approach with control group. Samples with the techniqueof sampling non probability sampling is carried out, using the method of total sampling totalsample with as many as 40 respondents. The results of research using the Mann Whitney testat 95% significance level, obtained significant value that is 0.007 or smaller than the value ofsignificance 0.05 (0.007 < 0.05). Conclusion, the results show that the activity of playingdominoes can improve the cognitive functions of the elderly so that it can be used as countingas one of the relaxing activities to enhance cognitive function of elderly, especially countingability.Keywords: Activities Playing Domino, Math AbilityAbstrak: Permainan domino adalah salah satu aktivitas santai yang familiar dan mudahdimainkan oleh berbagai usia termasuk kelompok lanjut usia. Ketika bermain domino makalansia akan merasa santai dan merilekskan pikiran sehingga menstimulasi sel-sel otak yangakhirnya dapat mempertahankan fungsi kognitif, salah satunya kemampuan berhitung. Tujuanpenelitian untuk mengetahui aktivitas bermain domino sebagai media untuk meningkatkankemampuan fungsi kognitif berhitung pada lansia. Metode penelitian ini menggunakan desainpenelitian quasi eksperimen, dengan pendekatan pretest-posttest with conrol grup. Sampeldengan teknik pengambilan sampel dilakukan secara non probability sampling, menggunakanmetode total sampling dengan jumlah sampel sebanyak 40 responden. Hasil penelitian denganmenggunakan uji Mann Whitney pada tingkat kemaknaan 95%, didapat bahwa nilai signifikanadalah 0,007 atau lebih kecil dari nilai signfikan 0,05 (0,007< 0,05). Kesimpulan, hasilpenelitian ini menunjukan bahwa aktivitas bermain domino dapat meningkatkan kemampuanfungsi kognitif berhitung lansia sehingga bisa dijadikan sebagai salah satu aktivitas santai untukmeningkatkan fungsi kognitif lansia, khususnya kemampuan berhitung.Kata kunci: Aktivitas Bermain Domino, Kemampuan Berhitung


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