Written Discourse Task Helps to Identify Progression from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Dementia

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Hana Kim ◽  
Alex Walker ◽  
Jennifer Shea ◽  
Argye E. Hillis
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Written Discourse ◽  
Trail Making ◽  
Group A ◽  
Multivariable Regression ◽  
Description Task ◽  
The Relationship

<b><i>Purpose:</i></b> We aimed to investigate: (1) the clinical, diagnostic value of a written discourse task, and (2) the relationship between executive functions and written discourse within the spectrum of individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). <b><i>Method:</i></b> To determine whether written discourse performance predicts clinical course among individuals with MCI, we retrospectively classified individuals with MCI as converters (<i>N</i> = 26) who were later diagnosed with dementia or as a stable MCI group (<i>N</i> = 45). We quantified core word measures from written discourse samples obtained from the Cookie Theft picture description task. <b><i>Result:</i></b> Written discourse measures differentiated converters from the stable MCI group. Converters produced a fewer number of core words than the stable MCI group. A measure of executive function significantly predicted performance on the production of core words in written discourse for the converters. In a multivariable regression, production of core words remained the only explanatory variable closely associated with the progression to dementia in MCI. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Written discourse tasks can predict the likelihood of MCI progressing to dementia, independently of recall and an executive function measure. Correlational results suggest that written discourse performance was associated with executive function as measured by the Trail Making Test. Our findings emphasize the usefulness of including written discourse tasks in language assessment batteries targeting preclinical dementia populations.

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

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.

scholarly journals Acute high-intensity aerobic exercise affects brain-derived neurotrophic factor in mild cognitive impairment: a randomised controlled study

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. e000499 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate E Devenney ◽  
Emer M Guinan ◽  
Áine M Kelly ◽  
Bibiana C Mota ◽  
Cathal Walsh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Aerobic Exercise ◽  
Neurotrophic Factor ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Short Bout ◽  
Visuospatial Learning ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B

ObjectiveTo investigate the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cognitive response to a short bout of high-intensity aerobic exercise in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).MethodsParticipants were randomised to one of two testing schedules, completing either a standardised exercise test (group A) or a resting control condition (group B). Blood sampling and cognitive measures (visuospatial learning and memory, sustained attention and executive function) were collected at baseline (T1) and postintervention (T2). An additional measurement of study outcomes was collected after exercise (T3) in group B only.Results64 participants (female 53.2%, mean age 70.5±6.3 years) with MCI were recruited. From T1 to T2, serum BDNF (sBDNF) concentration increased in group A (n=35) (median (Md) 4564.61±IQR 5737.23 pg/mL to Md 5173.27±5997.54 pg/mL) and decreased in group B (Md 4593.74±9558.29 pg/mL to Md 3974.66±3668.22 pg/mL) (between-group difference p=0.024, effect size r=0.3). The control group made fewer errors on the sustained attention task compared with the exercise group (p=0.025). Measures of visuospatial learning and memory or executive function did not change significantly between groups.ConclusionThis study is the first to show that a short bout of high-intensity aerobic exercise increases peripheral sBDNF in a population with MCI. However, acute exercise did not improve cognitive performance.

scholarly journals EXECUTIVE FUNCTION PERFORMANCE OF A BRAZILIAN SAMPLE OF MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT AND HEALTHY ELDERLY

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geise Silva ◽  
Isabella Avolio ◽  
Camila Dias ◽  
Maíra Oliveira ◽  
Ricardo Nitrini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Verbal Fluency ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Brazilian Sample ◽  
Part C ◽  
Healthy Elderly ◽  
Trail Making ◽  
Multiple Domains

Background: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is associated with cognitive alterations, usually related to memory, but can affect other domains such as executive functions (EFs), which are less explored in the literature. It is an intermediate condition between healthy aging and dementia and does not significantly affect an individual’s activities of daily living (ADL). Objectives: This study aimed to investigate executive function performance of a Brazilian sample of elderly people with multiple domains MCI (mdMCI) compared to healthy controls (HC) using EFs tasks. Methods: We included 54 subjects, 36 mdMCI and 18 HC. The EFs tasks were extracted from a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment (CAPpesq 11264) and involved the Trail Making Test (TMT), Stroop Test part C (ST), Phonemic Verbal Fluency (FAS), Semantic Verbal Fluency (SVF). Results: We observed significant differences between the groups (p <0.05) in the following task: SVF (t(25.7)= -2.582; p 0.016). Conclusions: mdMCI patients obtained a lower cognitive performance in EFs related to SVF task which is usually implicated in the cognitive fenotype of Alzheimer’s Disease continuum. These findings corroborate the international literature in mdMCI patients.

scholarly journals Self-Rated Health Status as a Predictor of Executive Function in Older Latinos

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 331-332
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Guzman ◽  
Yuliana Soto ◽  
David Marquez ◽  
Susan Aguinaga
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Behavioral Interventions ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Self Rated Health ◽  
Excellent Health ◽  
Trail Making ◽  
Fair Poor ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Latinos have high risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Self-rated health (SRH) has been used to predict cognitive decline. Early detection of executive function changes may help identify those at higher risk of cognitive decline. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between SRH and executive function in Latinos. Latinos (N=333, 84.4% female, Mage= 64.9 ± 7.08) from the BAILA randomized controlled trial self-rated their health as 1) poor/fair, 2) good, and 3) very good/excellent. Executive function was assessed by the Trail-making B, Verbal Fluency, Stroop C & CW, and the Digit Modality tests and stratified by SRH. One-way analysis of variance showed that the effect of SRH was significant for Trails B, F(2,298)=4.01, p=.019 and Stroop CW, F(2,298)=3.07, p=.048. Tukey’s test indicated that participants who rated their health as fair/poor took longer to complete Trails B (M=196.78±83.0 seconds) compared to those who rated their health as good (M=185.25 ± 85.1 seconds) and very good/excellent (M=149.25±95.3 seconds). Stroop CW results demonstrated that those in the fair/poor health category scored lower (M=17.22±6.6) than those in good (M=19.70±8.5 words/minutes) and very good/excellent health categories (M=18.73±8.2 words/minute). In sum, the results suggest SRH is related to executive function such that lower categories of SRH are indicative of poorer executive function. SRH might be used as a proxy for executive function and as a tool that community leaders can use to identify individuals at high risk of ADRD in need of behavioral interventions.

scholarly journals Paraoxonase 1, B Vitamins Supplementation, and Mild Cognitive Impairment

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Joanna Perła-Kaján ◽  
Olga Włoczkowska ◽  
Anetta Zioła-Frankowska ◽  
Marcin Frankowski ◽  
A. David Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
B Vitamins ◽  
Paraoxonase 1 ◽  
Phenyl Acetate ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Trail Making

Background: Identification of modifiable risk factors that affect cognitive decline is important for the development of preventive and treatment strategies. Status of paraoxonase 1 (PON1), a high-density lipoprotein-associated enzyme, may play a role in the development of neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. Objective: We tested a hypothesis that PON1 status predicts cognition in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Methods: Individuals with MCI (n = 196, 76.8-years-old, 60% women) participating in a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial (VITACOG) were assigned to receive a daily dose of folic acid (0.8 mg), vitamin B12 (0.5 mg) and B6 (20 mg) (n = 95) or placebo (n = 101) for 2 years. Cognition was analyzed by neuropsychological tests. Brain atrophy was quantified in a subset of participants (n = 168) by MRI. PON1 status, including PON1 Q192R genotype, was determined by quantifying enzymatic activity of PON1 using paraoxon and phenyl acetate as substrates. Results: In the placebo group, baseline phenylacetate hydrolase (PhAcase) activity of PON1 (but not paraoxonase activity or PON1 Q192R genotype) was significantly associated with global cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination, MMSE; Telephone Inventory for Cognitive Status-modified, TICS-m), verbal episodic memory (Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-revised: Total Recall, HVLT-TR; Delayed Recall, HVLT-DR), and attention/processing speed (Trail Making A and Symbol Digits Modalities Test, SDMT) at the end of study. In addition to PhAcase, baseline iron and triglycerides predicted MMSE, baseline fatty acids predicted SDMT, baseline anti-N-Hcy-protein autoantibodies predicted TICS-m, SDMT, Trail Making A, while BDNF V66M genotype predicted HVLT-TR and HVLT-DR scores at the end of study. B-vitamins abrogated associations of PON1 and other variables with cognition. Conclusion: PON1 is a new factor associated with impaired cognition that can be ameliorated by B-vitamins in individuals with MCI.

Identification of Mild Cognitive Impairment Among Chinese Based on Multiple Spoken Tasks

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Tianqi Wang ◽  
Yin Hong ◽  
Quanyi Wang ◽  
Rongfeng Su ◽  
Manwa Lawrence Ng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Memory Load ◽  
Lexical Retrieval ◽  
Semantic Fluency ◽  
Late Fusion ◽  
Single Task ◽  
Sentence Repetition ◽  
Picture Description ◽  
Description Task

Background: Previous studies explored the use of noninvasive biomarkers of speech and language for the detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Yet, most of them employed single task which might not have adequately captured all aspects of their cognitive functions. Objective: The present study aimed to achieve the state-of-the-art accuracy in detecting individuals with MCI using multiple spoken tasks and uncover task-specific contributions with a tentative interpretation of features. Methods: Fifty patients clinically diagnosed with MCI and 60 healthy controls completed three spoken tasks (picture description, semantic fluency, and sentence repetition), from which multidimensional features were extracted to train machine learning classifiers. With a late-fusion configuration, predictions from multiple tasks were combined and correlated with the participants’ cognitive ability assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Statistical analyses on pre-defined features were carried out to explore their association with the diagnosis. Results: The late-fusion configuration could effectively boost the final classification result (SVM: F1 = 0.95; RF: F1 = 0.96; LR: F1 = 0.93), outperforming each individual task classifier. Besides, the probability estimates of MCI were strongly correlated with the MoCA scores (SVM: –0.74; RF: –0.71; LR: –0.72). Conclusion: Each single task tapped more dominantly to distinct cognitive processes and have specific contributions to the prediction of MCI. Specifically, picture description task characterized communications at the discourse level, while semantic fluency task was more specific to the controlled lexical retrieval processes. With greater demands on working memory load, sentence repetition task uncovered memory deficits through modified speech patterns in the reproduced sentences.

scholarly journals Lower functional hippocampal redundancy in mild cognitive impairment

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Langella ◽  
◽  
Muhammad Usman Sadiq ◽  
Peter J. Mucha ◽  
Kelly S. Giovanello ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Resting State ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Potential Mechanism ◽  
Network Efficiency ◽  
Cognitively Normal ◽  
Normal Individuals ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractWith an increasing prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in response to an aging population, it is critical to identify and understand neuroprotective mechanisms against cognitive decline. One potential mechanism is redundancy: the existence of duplicate elements within a system that provide alternative functionality in case of failure. As the hippocampus is one of the earliest sites affected by AD pathology, we hypothesized that functional hippocampal redundancy is protective against cognitive decline. We compared hippocampal functional redundancy derived from resting-state functional MRI networks in cognitively normal older adults, with individuals with early and late MCI, as well as the relationship between redundancy and cognition. Posterior hippocampal redundancy was reduced between cognitively normal and MCI groups, plateauing across early and late MCI. Higher hippocampal redundancy was related to better memory performance only for cognitively normal individuals. Critically, functional hippocampal redundancy did not come at the expense of network efficiency. Our results provide support that hippocampal redundancy protects against cognitive decline in aging.

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