Executive function modifies the relationship between occupational lead exposure and complex figure test performance

AbstractObjectives:The present study explored the level of self-and informant reported executive functioning in daily living using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Version (BRIEF-A) in a large sample comprising healthy adults and patient cohorts with neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. The relationship to neuropsychological test performance and self-reported emotional distress was explored, as well as the applicability of U.S. normative data.Methods:Scores on the self- and informant reported BRIEF-A are presented, along with scores on standardized cognitive tests, and on rating scales of self-reported emotional distress in a Norwegian healthy comparison group (n=115), patients with severe traumatic brain injury (n=125), focal frontal lobe damage (n=29), focal cerebellar lesion (n=24), Parkinson’s disease (n=42), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (n=34), type II bipolar disorder (n=21), and borderline personality disorder (n=18).Results:Strong associations were observed between the BRIEF-A and emotional distress in both the healthy group and in neurological groups, while no or weak relationships with IQ and performance-based tests of executive function were seen. The relationship between BRIEF-A and emotional distress was weaker in the neuropsychiatric patient groups, despite high symptom load in both domains. Healthy participants tended to have BRIEF-A scores 1/2–3/4SDbelow the U.S. normative mean ofTscore=50.Conclusions:The study demonstrates the need to interpret BRIEF-A results within a broad differential diagnostic context, where measures of psychological distress are included in addition to neuropsychological tests. Uncertainty about the appropriateness of U.S. normative data in non-U.S. countries adds to the need for interpretive caution. (JINS, 2016,22, 682–694)

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Perceptive-Motor Maturity and its Relations with Planning, Memory Immediate and Non-Verbal Intelligence

Paidéia (Ribeirão Preto) ◽

10.1590/1982-4327e3031 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 ◽

Author(s):

Fernanda Otoni ◽

Fabián Javier Marin Rueda

Keyword(s):

Visual Perception ◽

Motor Coordination ◽

Verbal Intelligence ◽

Immediate Memory ◽

Complex Figure ◽

Human Figure ◽

Figure Test ◽

Figure Drawing ◽

The Relationship ◽

Rey Complex Figure

Abstract The acquisition of new knowledge depends on the interaction of diverse ability that can facilitate the cognitive processes that underlie learning. The aim of this paper is to verify the relationship between perceptive-motor maturity and planning, visual perception, immediate memory, and non-verbal intelligence, as well as how age and perceptive-motor maturity can predict performance in these variables. Therefore, we used the screening version of the Bender test - Gradual Scoring System, Rey Complex Figure Test, and Human Figure Drawing - Sisto scale. The study included 693 children whose ages range from 6 to 10 years (M = 8.42; DP = 1.38). The results presented statistically significant correlations between all the instruments, indicating that the more developed visual perception and motor coordination, the biggest is the probability that children have succeed in tasks that depend of planning skills, the ability to retain and process information, and the conceptual repertoire.

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Perampanel and Visuospatial Skills in Children With Epilepsy

Frontiers in Neurology ◽

10.3389/fneur.2021.696946 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Francesca Felicia Operto ◽

Valentina Vivenzio ◽

Chiara Scuoppo ◽

Chiara Padovano ◽

Michele Roccella ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Executive Function ◽

Adjunctive Treatment ◽

Visuospatial Memory ◽

Verbal Intelligence ◽

Good Tolerability ◽

Complex Figure ◽

Visuospatial Skills ◽

Visuospatial Perception ◽

Figure Test ◽

Drug Resistant Epilepsy

Introduction: Perampanel (PER) is a non-competitive AMPA glutamate receptor antagonist approved for focal and generalized seizures as add-on therapy. PER does not seem to negatively affect the cognitive profile in children and adolescents, but its influence on visuospatial abilities is still to be assessed. The aim of our study was to assess visuospatial skills through a standardized neuropsychological evaluation in adolescents taking PER for 12 months.Methods: Our sample included 46 adolescents aged 12–18 years with focal and generalized drug-resistant epilepsy already in therapy with one or two antiseizure medications. Changes in visuospatial perception and memory were assessed by the Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test at baseline (before taking PER) and after 12 months of pharmacological treatment. Executive functions and non-verbal intelligence were also assessed at baseline.Results: After 12 months of PER therapy, the mean scores on the Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test remained almost unchanged for both visuospatial perception and visuospatial memory skills. At baseline, visuospatial memory was related to executive function, and visuospatial perception was related to executive function and non-verbal intelligence.Conclusions: Adjunctive treatment with PER did not negatively affect visuospatial skills. No adverse event effects have been reported after 12 months of follow-up, and this suggests a good tolerability in the middle-to-long term.

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