S47. A MULTICENTER STUDY OF COGNITIVE RESERVE IN FIRST-EPISODE PYCHOSIS

Abstract Background The cognitive reserve (CR) refers to the brain’s capacity to cope with pathology in order to minimize the symptoms. In the field of first episode psychosis (FEP), the CR was able to predict functional and neurocognitive performance. Nevertheless, CR has been estimated using heterogeneous methods, which, in term, difficult to compare studies. Therefore, there is a need to create a specific scale for the assessment of this relevant construct. The Cognitive Reserve Assessment Scale in Health (CRASH) is the first measure developed specifically for patients with severe mental illness with optimal psychometric properties, facilitating reliable and valid measurement of CR. The study of the internal structure of the CRASH determined a four-factor structure (Education, Occupation, Leisure activities and Sociability) that can be analyzed separately to know what kind of relationship they might have with other variables. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of CR measured with CRASH scale on functioning and neurocognitive performance and to explore the relationship of each factor with the outcome in an adult sample of subjects with FEP. Methods The sample of this study came from a multicentre, naturalistic and longitudinal research project financed by a catalan grant (“Pla Estratègic de Recerca i Innovació en Salut” - PERIS 2016–2018). Expedient Nº: SLT006/17/00345; entitled “Identificación y caracterización del valor predictivo de la reserva cognitiva en el curso evolutivo y respuesta en terapéutica en personas con un primer episodio psicótico”. 23 FEP patients and 72 healthy control (HC) were enrolled. The premorbid IQ was estimated with the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV) vocabulary subtest. To assess processing speed, Trail Making Test-part A was used. Sustained attention was tested with the Continuous Performance Test–II. The working memory was assessed with the Letters and Numbers Subtest of the WAIS-IV. Finally, the executive functions tested set shifting, planning and cognitive flexibility using the Tower of London task and the Trail Making Test (TMT) part B. Results Significant differences between the total CRASH score of patients and HC groups have been found. The patient group obtained lower scores compared to the HC group (36.66±16.01 vs 49.83±11.08, p<0.001). After performing a logistic regression to assess the predictive power of CRASH for each group, the model correctly classified 83.2% of the cases (B=0.091; p<0.001; Exp(B)=1.095). In FEP patients, the CRASH score was associated with premorbid IQ (p<0.001), processing speed (p=0.005), executive function (TMT-B, p=0.005; London Tower task, p=0.039) and attention (CPT Hit SE ISI change, p=0.004). Specifically, the Education factor was associated with premorbid IQ, processing speed, working memory and executive function. The Occupation was only associated with executive function. Leisure activities factor was correlated with premorbid IQ and functioning. Finally, Sociability was correlated with psychosocial functioning and duration of untreated psychosis. In HC, CRASH was associated with premorbid IQ (p<0.001) and attention (p=0.015). Education and Occupation factors were associated with premorbid IQ and attention; Leisure activities with processing speed; and sociability with attention. Discussion FEP patients were shown to have lower CR than HC, and CRASH correctly classified 83.2% of the sample. Each CRASH factor was associated with different outcome, which is why it can be interesting to analyze the total CRASH score and each factor separately. Patients with higher CR showed a better cognitive performance. Therefore, enhancing each factor involved in cognitive reserve may improve outcomes in FEP.

Download Full-text

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

Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology ◽

10.1093/arclin/acaa067.09 ◽

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.

Download Full-text

Neuropsychological Impairments and Their Cognitive Architecture in Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) with Lewy Bodies and MCI-Alzheimer’s Disease

Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society ◽

10.1017/s1355617721001181 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Joanna Ciafone ◽

Alan Thomas ◽

Rory Durcan ◽

Paul C Donaghy ◽

Calum A Hamilton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Alzheimer’S Disease ◽

Alzheimer's Disease ◽

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Executive Function ◽

Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽

Processing Speed ◽

Lewy Bodies ◽

Trail Making Test ◽

Neuropsychological Profile ◽

Trail Making

Abstract Objective: The present study aimed to clarify the neuropsychological profile of the emergent diagnostic category of Mild Cognitive Impairment with Lewy bodies (MCI-LB) and determine whether domain-specific impairments such as in memory were related to deficits in domain-general cognitive processes (executive function or processing speed). Method: Patients (n = 83) and healthy age- and sex-matched controls (n = 34) underwent clinical and imaging assessments. Probable MCI-LB (n = 44) and MCI-Alzheimer’s disease (AD) (n = 39) were diagnosed following National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer’s Association (NIA-AA) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) consortium criteria. Neuropsychological measures included cognitive and psychomotor speed, executive function, working memory, and verbal and visuospatial recall. Results: MCI-LB scored significantly lower than MCI-AD on processing speed [Trail Making Test B: p = .03, g = .45; Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST): p = .04, g = .47; DSST Error Check: p < .001, g = .68] and executive function [Trail Making Test Ratio (A/B): p = .04, g = .52] tasks. MCI-AD performed worse than MCI-LB on memory tasks, specifically visuospatial (Modified Taylor Complex Figure: p = .01, g = .46) and verbal (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test: p = .04, g = .42) delayed recall measures. Stepwise discriminant analysis correctly classified the subtype in 65.1% of MCI patients (72.7% specificity, 56.4% sensitivity). Processing speed accounted for more group-associated variance in visuospatial and verbal memory in both MCI subtypes than executive function, while no significant relationships between measures were observed in controls (all ps > .05) Conclusions: MCI-LB was characterized by executive dysfunction and slowed processing speed but did not show the visuospatial dysfunction expected, while MCI-AD displayed an amnestic profile. However, there was considerable neuropsychological profile overlap and processing speed mediated performance in both MCI subtypes.

Download Full-text

Construct validity of the Trail Making Test: Role of task-switching, working memory, inhibition/interference control, and visuomotor abilities

Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society ◽

10.1017/s1355617709090626 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 15 (3) ◽

pp. 438-450 ◽

Cited By ~ 532

Author(s):

I. SÁNCHEZ-CUBILLO ◽

J.A. PERIÁÑEZ ◽

D. ADROVER-ROIG ◽

J.M. RODRÍGUEZ-SÁNCHEZ ◽

M. RÍOS-LAGO ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Working Memory ◽

Task Switching ◽

Wisconsin Card Sorting Test ◽

Cognitive Factors ◽

Trail Making Test ◽

Interference Control ◽

Card Sorting ◽

Adult Intelligence Scale ◽

Memory Inhibition ◽

Trail Making

AbstractThe aim of this study was to clarify which cognitive mechanisms underlie Trail Making Test (TMT) direct and derived scores. A comprehensive review of the literature on the topic was carried out to clarify which cognitive factors had been related to TMT performance. Following the review, we explored the relative contribution from working memory, inhibition/interference control, task-switching ability, and visuomotor speed to TMT performance. Forty-one healthy old subjects participated in the study and performed a battery of neuropsychological tests including the TMT, the Digit Symbol subtest [Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (Third Version) (WAIS-III)], a Finger Tapping Test, the Digits Forward and Backward subtests (WAIS-III), Stroop Test, and a task-switching paradigm inspired in the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. Correlation and regression analyses were used in order to clarify the joint and unique contributions from different cognitive factors to the prediction of TMT scores. The results suggest that TMT-A requires mainly visuoperceptual abilities, TMT-B reflects primarily working memory and secondarily task-switching ability, while B-A minimizes visuoperceptual and working memory demands, providing a relatively pure indicator of executive control abilities. (JINS, 2009, 15, 438–450.)

Download Full-text

Experimental dyspnoea interferes with locomotion and cognition: a randomised trial

European Respiratory Journal ◽

10.1183/13993003.00054-2020 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 56 (2) ◽

pp. 2000054 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

David Lawi ◽

Elise Dupuis-Lozeron ◽

Gregory Berra ◽

Gilles Allali ◽

Thomas Similowski ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Working Memory ◽

Executive Function ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Processing Speed ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Digit Span ◽

Randomised Trial ◽

Healthy Adults ◽

Adult Intelligence Scale ◽

Loaded Breathing

BackgroundChronic respiratory diseases are associated with cognitive dysfunction, but whether dyspnoea by itself negatively impacts on cognition has not been demonstrated. Cortical networks engaged in subjects experiencing dyspnoea are also activated during other tasks that require cognitive input and this may provoke a negative impact through interference with each other.MethodsThis randomised, crossover trial investigated whether experimentally-induced dyspnoea would negatively impact on locomotion and cognitive function among 40 healthy adults. Crossover conditions were unloaded breathing or loaded breathing using an inspiratory threshold load. To evaluate locomotion, participants were assessed by the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Cognitive function was assessed by categorical and phonemic verbal fluency tests, the Trail Making Tests (TMTs) A and B (executive function), the CODE test from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)-IV (processing speed) and by direct and indirect digit span (working memory).ResultsThe mean time difference to perform the TUG test between unloaded and loaded breathing was −0.752 s (95% CI −1.012 to −0.492 s) (p<0.001). Executive function, processing speed and working memory performed better during unloaded breathing, particularly for subjects starting first with the loaded breathing condition.ConclusionOur data suggest that respiratory threshold loading to elicit dyspnoea had a major impact on locomotion and cognitive function in healthy adults.

Download Full-text

Beneficial Effect of Multidomain Cognitive Training on the Neuropsychological Performance of Patients with Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease

Neural Plasticity ◽

10.1155/2018/2845176 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-9 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Anastasia Nousia ◽

Vasileios Siokas ◽

Eleni Aretouli ◽

Lambros Messinis ◽

Athina-Maria Aloizou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Executive Function ◽

Beneficial Effect ◽

Processing Speed ◽

Early Stage ◽

Digit Span ◽

Training Group ◽

Trail Making Test ◽

Semantic Fluency ◽

Trail Making ◽

Computer Based

Background and Purpose. There is an increasing interest in the effect of nonpharmacological interventions on the course of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The objective of the present study is to determine the benefits of a structured, multidomain, mostly computer-based, cognitive training (MCT) οn the cognitive performance of patients with early-stage AD. Method. Fifty patients with early-stage AD participated in the study. Patients were randomly allocated either to the training program group (n=25) or to a wait list control group (n=25). The training program group received computer-assisted MCT and linguistic exercises utilizing pen and paper supplemented by cognitive-linguistic exercises for homework. The duration of the MCT intervention program was 15 weeks, and it was administered twice a week. Each session lasted for approximately one hour. Objective measures of episodic memory, delayed memory, word recognition, attention, executive function, processing speed, semantic fluency, and naming were assessed at baseline and after the completion of the program in both groups. Results. Analysis showed that in controls, delayed memory and executive function had deteriorated over the observation period of 15 weeks, while the training group improved their performance in word recognition, Boston Naming Test (BNT), semantic fluency (SF), clock-drawing test (CDT), digit span forward (DSF), digit span backward (DSB), trail-making test A (TMT A), and trail-making test B (TMT B). Comparison between the training group and the controls showed that MCT had a significant beneficial effect in delayed memory, naming, semantic fluency, visuospatial ability, executive functions, attention, and processing speed. Conclusions. The study provides evidence of a beneficial effect of MCT with an emphasis on cognitive-language performance of patients with early-stage AD. Considering the limited efficacy of current pharmacological therapies in AD, concurrent computer-based MCT may represent an additional enhancing treatment option in early-stage AD patients.

Download Full-text

The association of timing of retirement with cognitive performance in old age: the role of leisure activities after retirement

International Psychogeriatrics ◽

10.1017/s1041610216000958 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 28 (10) ◽

pp. 1659-1669 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Andreas Ihle ◽

Catherine Grotz ◽

Stéphane Adam ◽

Michel Oris ◽

Delphine Fagot ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Cognitive Functioning ◽

Cognitive Performance ◽

Old Age ◽

Cognitive Reserve ◽

Leisure Activities ◽

Trail Making Test ◽

Test Part ◽

Trail Making

ABSTRACTBackground:The role of timing of retirement on cognitive functioning in old age is inconclusive so far. Therefore, the present study set out to investigate the association of timing of retirement with cognitive performance and its interplay with key correlates of cognitive reserve in a large sample of older adults.Methods:Two thousand two hundred and sixty three older adults served as sample for the present study. Different psychometric tests (Trail Making Test part A (TMT A), Trail Making Test part B (TMT B), Mill Hill) were administered. In addition, individuals were interviewed on their retirement, occupation, educational attainment, and regarding 18 leisure activities that have been carried out after retirement.Results:Earlier retirement (compared to retirement at legal age) was significantly associated with better performance in the TMT A, the TMT B, and the Mill Hill vocabulary test. Moderation analyses showed that in individuals with a moderate number of leisure activities in old age, earlier retirement was related to better cognitive performance, but not in those with a relatively large number of leisure activities. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that entering leisure activities as additional predictor significantly increased explained variance in the cognitive measures over and above all other investigated markers of cognitive reserve (i.e. occupation and education).Conclusions:Present data further corroborate the view that leisure activities even in old age may lead to further enrichment effects and thereby may be related to better cognitive functioning. The role of engaging in activities in the context of major life events such as retirement is discussed.

Download Full-text

EFFICIENCY OF VISUAL WORKING MEMORY IN ADHD: EVALUATION WITH A COMPUTERIZED VERSION OF ADVANCED TRAIL MAKING TEST

Neuropediatrics ◽

10.1055/s-2006-945697 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 37 (S 1) ◽

Author(s):

N Kokubo ◽

Y Inoue ◽

A Gunji ◽

M Inagaki ◽

M Kaga ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Working Memory ◽

Visual Working Memory ◽

Trail Making Test ◽

Trail Making

Download Full-text

Developmental change of visuo-spatial working memory in children: Quantitative evaluation through an Advanced Trail Making Test

Brain and Development ◽

10.1016/j.braindev.2012.02.001 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 34 (10) ◽

pp. 799-805 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Naomi Kokubo ◽

Masumi Inagaki ◽

Atsuko Gunji ◽

Tomoka Kobayashi ◽

Hidenobu Ohta ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Working Memory ◽

Quantitative Evaluation ◽

Spatial Working Memory ◽

Developmental Change ◽

Trail Making Test ◽

Trail Making

Download Full-text

Socioeconomic status is a predictor of neurocognitive performance of early female adolescents

International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health ◽

10.1515/ijamh-2018-0024 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

H. J. Madhushanthi ◽

Savithri W. Wimalasekera ◽

C. Sampatha E. Goonewardena ◽

A. A. Thamara D. Amarasekara ◽

Janaka Lenora

Keyword(s):

Socioeconomic Status ◽

Working Memory ◽

Executive Function ◽

Inhibitory Control ◽

Parental Education ◽

Maternal Education ◽

Female Adolescents ◽

Low Ses ◽

Neurocognitive Performance ◽

Verbal Comprehension

Abstract Objective Previous studies have shown that high socioeconomic status (SES) is significantly associated with inhibitory control, working memory, verbal comprehension and IQ. However, in the Asian setting, with its prevailing poverty, information about the influence of SES on cognitive development of female adolescents is limited. This study was aimed to investigate the association between SES and neurocognitive performance of early female adolescents in Sri Lanka. Methods Female adolescents aged 11–14 years (n = 200) of low and middle SES were studied to assess neurocognitive function. After obtaining baseline data, eight subtests of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC – IV), Test Of Nonverbal Intelligence (TONI-3) and two computer-based executive function tests (inhibition and visuo-spatial working memory) were administered to assess neurocognitive measures of the above adolescents. The results were compiled into a data base and analyzed using SPSS version 20 statistical software. Results Higher SES was associated with higher performance in all neurocognitive tests. Low SES adolescents obtained significantly poor test scores for executive function test (inhibitory control: p < 0.0001) and for WISC [verbal comprehension index (VCI): p < 0.0001), working memory index (WMI): p < 0.0001 and estimated full scale IQ (EFSIQ): p < 0.0001)] when compared with middle SES adolescents. Maternal education alone significantly predicts VCI and EFSIQ than the combined influence of parental education, occupation and income. Psychosocial adversities of adolescents were inversely correlated with VCI (r = −0.30; p < 0.001) and EFSIQ (r = −0.20; p < 0.001) of WISC and mathematics performance (r = −0.34; p < 0.001) at examination in school. Conclusion Findings of the study revealed the importance of upliftment of SES of the society to improve the cognitive and academic outcomes of low SES individuals.

Download Full-text

Effects of dance on cognitive function in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Age and Ageing ◽

10.1093/ageing/afaa270 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Patricia Hewston ◽

Courtney Clare Kennedy ◽

Sayem Borhan ◽

Dafna Merom ◽

Pasqualina Santaguida ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Executive Function ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Learning And Memory ◽

Optimal Dose ◽

Future Research ◽

Trail Making Test ◽

Global Cognitive Function ◽

Trail Making ◽

Complex Attention

Abstract Background dance is a mind–body activity that stimulates neuroplasticity. We explored the effect of dance on cognitive function in older adults. Methods we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and PsycInfo databases from inception to August 2020 (PROSPERO:CRD42017057138). Inclusion criteria were (i) randomised controlled trials (ii) older adults (aged ≥ 55 years), (iii) intervention—dance and (iv) outcome—cognitive function. Cognitive domains were classified with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 Neurocognitive Framework. Meta-analyses were performed in RevMan5.3 and certainty of evidence with GradePro. Results we reviewed 3,997 records and included 11 studies (N = 1,412 participants). Seven studies included only healthy older adults and four included those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Dance interventions varied in frequency (1–3×/week), time (35–60 minutes), duration (3–12 months) and type. We found a mean difference (MD) = 1.58 (95% confidence interval [CI) = 0.21–2.95) on the Mini Mental State Examination for global cognitive function (moderate-certainty evidence), and the Wechsler Memory Test for learning and memory had an MD = 3.02 (95% CI = 1.38–4.65; low-certainty evidence). On the Trail Making Test-A for complex attention, MD = 3.07 (95% CI = −0.81 to 6.95; high-certainty evidence) and on the Trail Making Test-B for executive function, MD = −4.12 (95% CI = −21.28 to 13.03; moderate-certainty evidence). Subgroup analyses did not suggest consistently greater effects in older adults with MCI. Evidence is uncertain for language, and no studies evaluated social cognition or perceptual–motor function. Conclusions dance probably improves global cognitive function and executive function. However, there is little difference in complex attention, and evidence also suggests little effect on learning and memory. Future research is needed to determine the optimal dose and if dance results in greater cognitive benefits than other types of physical activity and exercise.

Download Full-text