Cognitive dysfunction during migraine attacks: A study on migraine without aura

Cephalalgia ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (8) ◽  
pp. 662-674 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raquel Gil-Gouveia ◽  
António G Oliveira ◽  
Isabel Pavão Martins
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Migraine Without Aura ◽  
Word Reading ◽  
Reading Speed ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Episodic Migraine ◽  
Brain Dysfunction ◽  
Semantic Cues ◽  
Verbal Recall

Background Cognitive difficulties contribute to patients’ disability during migraine attacks and have been overlooked in migraine research. Neuropsychological studies performed during attacks have produced inconsistent findings due to design differences and limitations. Objective Our objective is to document changes in cognitive performance of migraine patients during migraine attacks with a comprehensive battery of cognitive/behavioral tests, while controlling for potential confounders. Method A prospective two-period, randomized, cross-over study compared within-subject neuropsychological evaluation in two conditions—during a naturally occurring untreated migraine attack and a headache-free period. Results Thirty-nine patients with episodic migraine (37 females, average 38 years old) were included and 24 completed the study. Participants performed worse during the attack in the majority of cognitive tests, compared to the headache-free status, and significantly so in word reading speed ( p = 0.013), verbal learning ( p = 0.01), short-term verbal recall with ( p = 0.01) and without ( p = 0.013) semantic cueing and delayed recall with ( p = 0.003) and without ( p = 0.05) semantic cues. Differences found were unrelated to age, gender, literacy, condition order, interval between evaluations, anxiety, pain intensity or duration of the attack. Discussion Cognitive performance decreases during migraine attacks, especially in reading and processing speed, verbal memory and learning, supporting patients’ subjective complaints. These findings suggest the existence of a reversible brain dysfunction during attacks of migraine without aura, which can relate specifically to migraine or be a consequence of acute pain processing by the brain.

scholarly journals The effect of white matter hyperintensities on verbal memory

Neurology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 90 (8) ◽  
pp. e673-e682 ◽  
Author(s):  
Walter Swardfager ◽  
Hugo Cogo-Moreira ◽  
Mario Masellis ◽  
Joel Ramirez ◽  
Nathan Herrmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
White Matter ◽  
Alzheimer Disease ◽  
Temporal Lobe ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
White Matter Hyperintensities ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Memory Deficits ◽  
Verbal Recall ◽  
Lobe Atrophy ◽  
Proof Of Principle

ObjectiveTo determine the relationship between white matter hyperintensities (WMH) presumed to indicate disease of the cerebral small vessels, temporal lobe atrophy, and verbal memory deficits in Alzheimer disease (AD) and other dementias.MethodsWe recruited groups of participants with and without AD, including strata with extensive WMH and minimal WMH, into a cross-sectional proof-of-principle study (n = 118). A consecutive case series from a memory clinic was used as an independent validation sample (n = 702; Sunnybrook Dementia Study; NCT01800214). We assessed WMH volume and left temporal lobe atrophy (measured as the brain parenchymal fraction) using structural MRI and verbal memory using the California Verbal Learning Test. Using path modeling with an inferential bootstrapping procedure, we tested an indirect effect of WMH on verbal recall that depends sequentially on temporal lobe atrophy and verbal learning.ResultsIn both samples, WMH predicted poorer verbal recall, specifically due to temporal lobe atrophy and poorer verbal learning (proof-of-principle −1.53, 95% bootstrap confidence interval [CI] −2.45 to −0.88; and confirmation −0.66, 95% CI [−0.95 to −0.41] words). This pathway was significant in subgroups with (−0.20, 95% CI [−0.38 to −0.07] words, n = 363) and without (−0.71, 95% CI [−1.12 to −0.37] words, n = 339) AD. Via the identical pathway, WMH contributed to deficits in recognition memory (−1.82%, 95% CI [−2.64% to −1.11%]), a sensitive and specific sign of AD.ConclusionsAcross dementia syndromes, WMH contribute indirectly to verbal memory deficits considered pathognomonic of Alzheimer disease, specifically by contributing to temporal lobe atrophy.

scholarly journals Goal Setting Improves Cognitive Performance in a Randomized Trial of Chronic Stroke Survivors

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 458-470
Author(s):  
Keera N. Fishman ◽  
Andrea R. Ashbaugh ◽  
Richard H. Swartz
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Goal Setting ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Chronic Phase ◽  
Vascular Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Stroke Survivors ◽  
Verbal Recall

Background and Purpose: Cognitive impairment after stroke, especially executive and attention dysfunction, is common, negatively affects daily functioning, and has limited treatment options. A single-blind, parallel-design, randomized controlled trial was used to examine the impact of goal setting on poststroke cognitive performance. Methods: Stroke survivors (n=72; mean age, 68.38 [SD=11.84] years; 69.4% men) in the chronic phase (≥3 months) after stroke from an academic stroke prevention clinic were randomly assigned to receive goal-setting instructions (n=36) or standard instructions (n=36) after completing baseline cognitive measures of executive function (primary outcome), attention/working memory, verbal learning, and verbal recall. Results: A one-way mixed multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) found a group by instructional manipulation interaction effect for executive function (Wilks λ=0.66; F [3,66]=11.30; P ≤0.001; η 2 p =0.34), after adjusting for age and years of education. After similar adjustment, attention/working memory (Wilks λ=0.86; F [5,63]=2.10; P =0.043; η 2 p =0.16) and verbal learning ( F [1,60]=5.81; P =0.019; η 2 p =0.09) also showed improvement after instruction but not verbal recall (Wilks λ=0.95; F [1,56]=2.82; P =0.099; η 2 p =0.05). There were no adverse events. Conclusions: Goal setting improved executive function, attention/working memory, and learning in a heterogeneous sample in the chronic phase after stroke. This suggests that >3 months after stroke, vascular cognitive impairment is not a fixed deficit; there is a motivational contributor. Brief treatments targeting goal-oriented behavior and motivation may serve as a novel approach or adjunct treatment to improve cognitive outcomes after stroke. Future research should investigate the use of goal setting on functional outcomes (eg, instrumental activities of daily living and vocational function) in this population, highlighting new potential avenues for treatment for vascular cognitive impairment. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT03511300.

scholarly journals Dietary patterns during adulthood and cognitive performance in midlife

Neurology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 92 (14) ◽  
pp. e1589-e1599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire T. McEvoy ◽  
Tina Hoang ◽  
Stephen Sidney ◽  
Lyn M. Steffen ◽  
David R. Jacobs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Dietary Patterns ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Stroop Interference ◽  
Digit Symbol Substitution Test ◽  
Interference Test

ObjectiveTo investigate whether dietary patterns (Mediterranean diet [MedDiet], Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension [DASH], and A Priori Diet Quality Score [APDQS]) during adulthood are associated with midlife cognitive performance.MethodsWe studied 2,621 Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) participants; 45% were black, 57% were female, and mean age was 25 ± 3.5 years at baseline (year 0). Mean diet scores were calculated from diet history at baseline, year 7, and year 20 (mean age 25, 32, and 45 years, respectively). Cognitive function was assessed at years 25 and 30 (mean age 50 and 55 years, respectively). Linear models were used to examine association between tertiles of diet score and change in composite cognitive function and cognitive z scores (verbal memory [Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test], processing speed [Digit Symbol Substitution Test], and executive function [Stroop Interference test]) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) at year 30.ResultsDASH was not associated with change in cognitive performance. Higher MedDiet and APDQS scores were associated with less decline in cognitive function (MedDiet: low −0.04, middle 0.03, high 0.03, p = 0.03; APDQS: low −0.04, middle −0.00, high 0.06, p < 0.01) and Stroop Interference (MedDiet: low 0.09, middle −0.06, high −0.03; APDQS: low 0.10, middle 0.01, high −0.09, both p < 0.01). Odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for poor global cognitive function (≥1 SD below mean MoCA score) comparing extreme tertiles of diet scores were 0.54 (0.39–0.74) for MedDiet, 0.48 (0.33–0.69) for APDQS, and 0.89 (0.68–1.17) for DASH.ConclusionGreater adherence to MedDiet and APDQS dietary patterns during adulthood was associated with better midlife cognitive performance. Additional studies are needed to define the combination of foods and nutrients for optimal brain health across the life course.

Nonperformance, as Well as Performance, Based Music Engagement Predicts Verbal Recall

2010 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 197-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
TanChyuan Chin ◽  
Nikki S. Rickard
Keyword(s):  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Music Performance ◽  
Convincing Evidence ◽  
Main Study ◽  
Verbal Recall ◽  
Control Factors ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Impact

MUSICIANS HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO DEMONSTRATE significantly better verbal memory abilities than do nonmusicians. In this study, we examined whether forms of music engagement other than formal music training might also predict verbal memory performance. Gender, socioeconomic status, and music performance variables were controlled in the main study; IQ was also assessed for a subset of participants. While performance musicianship remained a stronger predictor of verbal learning and memory, convincing evidence is presented that nonperformance music engagement (listening activity) also predicted verbal memory measures. The role of music engagement was independent of control factors both in the main study results and in the subset. The findings highlight the need for a more extensive conceptualization of musicianship in research that examines the impact of music on cognitive performance.

Association of dietary fat composition with cognitive performance and brain morphology in cognitively healthy individuals

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Silke Matura ◽  
David Prvulovic ◽  
Nina Mohadjer ◽  
Fabian Fusser ◽  
Viola Oertel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Dietary Fat ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Brain Morphology ◽  
Healthy Individuals ◽  
Pufa Ratio ◽  
Fat Composition

Abstract Background: Dietary lipids (omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3) PUFAs) and saturated fatty acids (SFA) seem to play an important role in brain health. (n-3) PUFAs have been shown to improve cerebral perfusion and to promote synaptogenesis. In this study, we investigated the relationship between dietary fat composition, cognitive performance and brain morphology in cognitively healthy individuals. Methods: A total of 101 cognitively healthy participants (age: 42.3 ± 21.3 years, 62 females) were included in this study. Verbal memory was assessed using the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT). Intake of (n-3) PUFA and SFA was calculated from food-frequency questionnaire-derived data (EPIC-FFQ). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were obtained (Siemens Trio 3T scanner) and grey matter volumes (GMV) were assessed by voxel-based morphometry (VBM/SPM8). We examined the association of SFA/(n-3) PUFA ratio and memory performance as well as GMV using regression models adjusted for age, sex, education, body mass index, apolipoprotein E (APOE) status and alcohol consumption. For VBM data, a multiple regression analysis was performed using the same covariates as mentioned before with intracranial volume as an additional covariate. Results: A high SFA/(n-3) PUFA ratio was significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with poorer verbal memory performance and with lower GMV in areas of the left prefrontal cortex that support memory processes. Conclusions: These findings suggest that a diet rich in PUFAs is likely to exert favourable effects on brain morphology in brain areas important for memory and executive functions. This could constitute a possible mechanism for maintaining cognitive health in older age.

scholarly journals Salivary Cortisol Levels Are Associated with Craving and Cognitive Performance in Cocaine-Abstinent Subjects: A Pilot Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 682
Author(s):  
Patricia Sampedro-Piquero ◽  
Selene Vicario ◽  
Aroha Pérez-Rivas ◽  
César Venero ◽  
Shishir Baliyan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Salivary Cortisol ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Negatively Associated ◽  
Morning Cortisol ◽  
Cortisol Levels

Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex upon the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Assessment of cortisol in saliva has emerged as a reliable way of evaluating HPA function. We examined the relationships between salivary cortisol levels with both craving and cognitive performance, as a possible biomarker of cocaine addiction. Cognitive performance (attention, declarative and working memory, executive functions and recognition of emotions) was assessed in 14 abstinent cocaine-dependent subjects in outpatient treatment and 13 control participants. Three salivary samples were collected at home by all the participants in the morning, afternoon and at bedtime. Patients showed higher levels of cortisol in the morning, as well as higher area under the curve with respect to the ground (AUCg). Regarding cognitive performance, cocaine-abstinent subjects showed worse performance in attention (d2 test), verbal memory (Spanish Complementary Verbal Learning Test, TAVEC) and executive tests (Tower of Hanoi and phonological fluency test) with respect to the control group. Morning cortisol levels and the AUCg index were negatively associated with the age of onset of drug consumption and the AUCg index was also positively associated with craving in our patients’ group. Moreover, morning cortisol levels, as well as the AUCg index, were negatively associated with verbal memory performance. Therefore, our pilot study suggests that salivary cortisol measurements could be a good avenue to predict craving level, as well as cognitive status, especially the declarative memory domain.

Learning and Consolidation of Verbal Declarative Memory in Patients with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

2010 ◽  
Vol 218 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Slawomira J. Diener ◽  
Herta Flor ◽  
Michèle Wessa
Keyword(s):  
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ◽  
Posttraumatic Stress ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Stress Disorder ◽  
Declarative Memory ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Learning Performance ◽  
Ptsd Symptoms

Impairments in declarative memory have been reported in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Fragmentation of explicit trauma-related memory has been assumed to impede the formation of a coherent memorization of the traumatic event and the integration into autobiographic memory. Together with a strong non-declarative memory that connects trauma reminders with a fear response the impairment in declarative memory is thought to be involved in the maintenance of PTSD symptoms. Fourteen PTSD patients, 14 traumatized subjects without PTSD, and 13 non-traumatized healthy controls (HC) were tested with the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) to assess verbal declarative memory. PTSD symptoms were assessed with the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale and depression with the Center of Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Several indices of the CVLT pointed to an impairment in declarative memory performance in PTSD, but not in traumatized persons without PTSD or HC. No group differences were observed if recall of memory after a time delay was set in relation to initial learning performance. In the PTSD group verbal memory performance correlated significantly with hyperarousal symptoms, after concentration difficulties were accounted for. The present study confirmed previous reports of declarative verbal memory deficits in PTSD. Extending previous results, we propose that learning rather than memory consolidation is impaired in PTSD patients. Furthermore, arousal symptoms may interfere with successful memory formation in PTSD.

Error Analysis in Neuropsychological Assessment of Verbal Memory and Learning

1995 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dietmar Heubrock
Keyword(s):  
Error Analysis ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Learning Disorders ◽  
Memory And Learning ◽  
Auditory Verbal Learning Test ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Auditory Verbal Learning ◽  
Accurate Picture ◽  
Learning Test

Performance on a German version of the Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) was investigated for 64 juvenile patients who were subdivided in 6 clinical groups. In addition to standard evaluation of AVLT protocols which is usually confined to items recalled correctly, an error analysis was performed. Differentiating between total errors (TE), repetition errors (RE), and misnamings (ME), substantial differences between clinical groups could be demonstrated. It is argued that error analysis of verbal memory and learning enriches the understanding of neuropsychological syndromes, and provides additional information for diagnostic and clinical use. Thus, it is possible to gain a more accurate picture so that patients can be appropriately retrained, and research into the functional causes of memory and learning disorders can be intensified.

scholarly journals Event-related potential and EEG oscillatory predictors of verbal memory in mild cognitive impairment

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiangyi Xia ◽  
Ali Mazaheri ◽  
Katrien Segaert ◽  
David P Salmon ◽  
Danielle Harvey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Event Related Potential ◽  
Single Trial ◽  
Prodromal Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alpha Beta

Abstract Reliable biomarkers of memory decline are critical for the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease. Previous work has found three EEG measures, namely the event-related brain potential P600, suppression of oscillatory activity in the alpha frequency range (∼10 Hz) and cross-frequency coupling between low theta/high delta and alpha/beta activity, each of which correlates strongly with verbal learning and memory abilities in healthy elderly and patients with mild cognitive impairment or prodromal Alzheimer’s disease. In the present study, we address the question of whether event-related or oscillatory measures, or a combination thereof, best predict the decline of verbal memory in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. Single-trial correlation analyses show that despite a similarity in their time courses and sensitivities to word repetition, the P600 and the alpha suppression components are minimally correlated with each other on a trial-by-trial basis (generally |rs| &lt; 0.10). This suggests that they are unlikely to stem from the same neural mechanism. Furthermore, event-related brain potentials constructed from bandpass filtered (delta, theta, alpha, beta or gamma bands) single-trial data indicate that only delta band activity (1–4 Hz) is strongly correlated (r = 0.94, P &lt; 0.001) with the canonical P600 repetition effect; event-related potentials in higher frequency bands are not. Importantly, stepwise multiple regression analyses reveal that the three event-related brain potential/oscillatory measures are complementary in predicting California Verbal Learning Test scores (overall R2’s in 0.45–0.63 range). The present study highlights the importance of combining EEG event-related potential and oscillatory measures to better characterize the multiple mechanisms of memory failure in individuals with mild cognitive impairment or prodromal Alzheimer’s disease.

Verbal Recall After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Sensitivity of the Rapid Screen of Concussion

2003 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karleigh Jayne Kwapil ◽  
Gina Geffen ◽  
Ken McFarland ◽  
Veronica Eileen DeMonte
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Classification Rate ◽  
Delayed Recall ◽  
Learning Test

AbstractThe present study aimed to determine whether including a sensitive test of immediate and delayed recall would improve the diagnostic validity of the Rapid Screen of Concussion (RSC) in mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) versus orthopaedic clinical samples. Two studies were undertaken. In Study 1, the performance of 156 mTBI and 145 orthopaedic participants was analysed to identify the number of individuals who performed at ceiling on the verbal memory subtest of the RSC, as this test required immediate and delayed recall of only five words. A second aim was to determine the sensitivity and specificity levels of the RSC. Study 2 aimed to examine whether replacement of the verbal memory subtest with the 12-word Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT) could improve the sensitivity of the RSC in a new sample of 26 mTBI and 30 orthopaedic participants. Both studies showed that orthopaedic participants outperformed mTBI participants on each of the selected measures. Study 1 showed that 14% of mTBI participants performed at ceiling on the immediate and 21.2% on delayed recall test. Performance on the original battery yielded a sensitivity of 82%, specificity of 80% and overall correct classification of 81.5% participants. In Study 2, inclusion of the HVLT improved sensitivity to a level of 88.5%, decreased specificity to a level of 70% and resulted in an overall classification rate of 80%. It was concluded that although inclusion of the five-word subtest in the RSC can successfully distinguish concussed from non-concussed individuals, use of the HVLT in this protocol yields a more sensitive measure of subtle cognitive deficits following mTBI.

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