scholarly journals Stress and Cognitive Reserve as independent factors of neuropsychological performance in healthy elderly

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
pp. 3499-3508 ◽  
Author(s):  
João Carlos Centurion Cabral ◽  
Gessyka Wanglon Veleda ◽  
Martina Mazzoleni ◽  
Elton Pinto Colares ◽  
Lucas Neiva-Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functions ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Cognitive Reserve ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Neuropsychological Performance ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Healthy Elderly ◽  
And Performance

Abstract Exposure to high levels of cortisol and self-reported stress, as well as cognitive reserve, have been linked to Alzheimer’s disease pathology. However, there are no studies on the interaction of these variables. The present study aims to assess the associations of measures of cortisol, self-reported stress, and cognitive reserve with neuropsychological performance in healthy elderly people; besides, to test the interactions between these variables. Cross-sectional analyzes were conducted using data on stress, cognitive reserve and clinical conditions in 145 healthy elderly adults. A neuropsychological battery was used to assess executive functions, verbal memory and processing speed. Measurement of salivary cortisol at the circadian nadir was taken. A negative association between different stress measures and performance on tasks of memory, executive functions and processing speed was observed. Elderly people with higher cognitive reserve showed superior performance on all neuropsychological measures. No significant interaction between stress and cognitive reserve to neuropsychological performance was observed. These results indicate that older adults with high levels of stress and reduced cognitive reserve may be more susceptible to cognitive impairment.

An empirical investigation of buyer–supplier relationship typologies and their behavioral and performance outcomes

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin Li ◽  
Linlin Chai ◽  
Chanchai Tangpong ◽  
Michelle Hong ◽  
Rodney D. Traub
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measures ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Behavioral Dynamics ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Supplier Relationship

Purpose This study aims to examine empirically the existence of four classical and four emerging buyer–supplier relationship (BSR) types and how they differ in terms of behavioral dynamics and performance measures. Design/methodology/approach This study uses an online survey to collect data from 371 purchasing managers in the USA. Findings A cluster analysis statistically supports the existence of five of these eight BSR types, including strategic/bilateral partnership, market/discrete, supplier-led collaboration, captive supplier/buyer dominant and captive buyer/supplier dominant BSRs. Further, ANOVA tests show that these five BSRs differ in terms of behavioral outcomes and performance measures. Research limitations/implications This study is based on a cross-sectional survey so it cannot examine how these BSR types may evolve over time, and it is not suitable to examine some rare types of BSRs. In addition, this study does not consider contextual factors that may moderate the influence of BSR types on the behavioral dynamics and performance measures. Practical implications Managers should consider the potential to be able to develop and enhance a strategic/bilateral relationship with their supply chain partners, which in at least some circumstances can lead to superior performance results. Similar observations can be made with respect to supplier-led and, to a lesser degree, buyer-led collaboration. Originality/value Most existing research of the BSR types is largely a product of theoretical classifications, and there is also a lack of research of their performance implications. This study fills these gaps in the literature.

Effects of commonly prescribed drugs on cognition and mild cognitive impairment in healthy elderly people

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 965-974 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teodoro del Ser ◽  
María-Ascensión Zea ◽  
Meritxell Valentí ◽  
Javier Olazarán ◽  
Jorge López-Álvarez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Information Processing ◽  
Mild Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Longitudinal Analyses ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Healthy Elderly

Background:Chronic drug intake has been associated with negative and positive cognitive effects in elderly people, although subjacent conditions may be confounding factors.Aim:To study the effects on cognitive performance of commonly prescribed medications in a cohort of cognitively normal older adults.Methods:Medication intake was recorded during two years in 1087 individuals 70–85 years old, without neurological or psychiatric conditions. The influence of every drug, drug family and therapeutic group on six cognitive scores and on the conversion to mild cognitive impairment over two years was ascertained by cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses controlling for demographic and clinical variables.Results:Small effects of several drugs on information processing were found in cross-sectional analyses but only confirmed for a positive effect of vitamin D in case–control analyses. Longitudinal analyses showed no drug effects on the cognitive slopes. Several hypotensive drugs reduced, whereas bromazepam and glucose lowering drugs increased, the conversion rate to mild cognitive impairment with very small effects ( R2=0.3–1%).Conclusions:Cognitively healthy elderly individuals show minimal negative effects on information processing associated with chronic intake of some drugs probably related to the subjacent condition. Some drugs slightly affect the rate of conversion to mild cognitive impairment. Positive effects of vitamin D, chondroitin, atorvastatin and antihypertensive drugs, and negative effects of antidepressants and benzodiazepines, should be further explored in studies with longer follow-up.

Effect of Modern Marketing Practices on Performance of Real Estate Firms in Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Githae Muturi ◽  
John Muturi Mwangi ◽  
Morris Irungu Kariuki
Keyword(s):  
Real Estate ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Measurement Model ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
And Performance

Use of modern marketing practices could empower real estate capabilities by creating new opportunities to advance service quality in reaction to unpredictable economic environment. Research show that adopting modern marketing practices is one of the most cost- effective control that a firm can implement. The need to link modern marketing practices with performance has become essential for firms desirous to achieve superior performance. However, there has been no rich literature linking the two. To better understand this relationship, this study was underpinned on market orientation theory and was also guided by a cross-sectional research design. Analyses were undertaken using a two-phase process that comprised of confirmatory measurement model and confirmatory structural model. The theoretical models and hypothesis in this paper were tested based on empirical data gathered from 138 respondents drawn from 69 real estate firms registered with Kenya Property Developers Association (KPDA). The results revealed that there was a positive and significant relationship between modern marketing practices and performance of real estate firms in Kenya. This study will enhance the skill on marketing set in Kenya’s real estate sector, by producing a more sustainable solution, as well as contributing to the open literature.

scholarly journals Two Sides of the Same Coin: Fluid Intelligence and Crystallized Intelligence as Cognitive Reserve Predictors of Social Cognition and Executive Functions Among Vulnerable Elderly People

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia Salas ◽  
Josefina Escobar ◽  
David Huepe
Keyword(s):  
Social Cognition ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Cognitive Reserve ◽  
Fluid Intelligence ◽  
Psychosocial Adaptation ◽  
Social Adaptation ◽  
Elderly Subjects ◽  
Related Factor ◽  
Crystallized Intelligence

The concept of cognitive reserve –CR– postulates two forms that prevent cognitive impairment: neural reserve and neural compensation. Both have been primarily linked to the protective role played by genetic factors, educational level, occupation or socioeconomic status. Though it is true that it has been related to executive functions, so far very little attention has been paid to its predictive capacity with other variables more related to social cognition and psychosocial adaptation. Considering socially vulnerable contexts with reduced cultural capital and educational levels, the neural reserve function would be the most relevant and best predictor of aspects related to social cognition and executive functions. We suggest that variables such as fluid and crystallized intelligence influence social cognition and executive functions. This study included a sample of 27 participants over 60 years old from varied contexts of social vulnerability. The procedure included data collection using various cognitive measures. Results show that elderly people with high intelligence—mainly fluid intelligence—have better executive functions, emotional recognition and theory of mind. These results focus on cognitive reserve and its importance because they show that elderly people in vulnerable contexts who strengthen these aspects protect themselves against the deterioration of cognitive skills. This study is the first preliminary research to present a relationship between cognitive reserve and social cognition factors in elderly subjects. Fluid intelligence functions as a highly related factor to protect the performance of executive functions, along with other social-cognitive factors relevant to facilitating the conditions of social adaptation.

scholarly journals Cognitive Reserve in the Healthy Elderly: Cognitive and Psychological Factors

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zihl Josef ◽  
Nuno Sousa ◽  
Katrin Walther ◽  
Thomas Fink ◽  
Antonia Schmid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Cognitive Reserve ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Age Factors ◽  
Older Age ◽  
Elderly Subjects ◽  
Cognitive Resources ◽  
Healthy Elderly

<p>Cognitive reserve (CR) helps explain the mismatch between expected cognitive decline and observed maintenance of cognitive functioning in older age. Factors such as education, literacy, lifestyle, and social networking are usually considered to be proxies of CR and its variability between individuals. A more direct approach to examine CR is through the assessment of capacity to gain from practice in a standardized challenging cognitive task that demands activation of cognitive resources. In this study, we applied a testing-the-limits paradigm to a group of 136 healthy elderly subjects (60&ndash;75 years) and additionally examined the possible contribution of complex mental activities and quality of sleep to cognitive performance gain. We found a significant but variable gain and identified verbal memory, cognitive flexibility, and problem-solving as important factors. This outcome is in line with our earlier study on CR in healthy mental aging. Interestingly and contrary to expectations, our analysis revealed that complex mental activities and sleep quality do not significantly influence CR. Best subset regression showed that better verbal memory and higher cognitive flexibility were related to high CR, which could also be seen when contrasting &ldquo;high&rdquo; and &ldquo;low&rdquo; cognitive performers; again, complex mental activities and sleep quality did not contribute to this measure of CR. In conclusion, the results of this study support and extend previous findings on CR in older age; further, they underline the need for improvements in existing protocols for assessing CR in a dynamic manner.</p>

scholarly journals Anticholinergic drug use and cognitive performances in middle age: findings from the CONSTANCES cohort

2018 ◽  
Vol 89 (10) ◽  
pp. 1107-1115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdelkrim Ziad ◽  
Romain Olekhnovitch ◽  
Fabrice Ruiz ◽  
Claudine Berr ◽  
Bernard Bégaud ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functions ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Anticholinergic Drug ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Negative Association ◽  
Cumulative Exposure ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Drug Classes

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown associations between the use of anticholinergics (AC) and cognitive performance in the elderly, considering AC as a homogeneous set of drugs. The present study aims to assess the relationship between exposure to AC drugs and cognitive performance in middle-aged adults according to AC potency and drug class.MethodsOur cross-sectional study used baseline data of 34 267 participants aged 45–70 from the Consultants des centres d’examen de santé de la sécurité sociale (CONSTANCES) cohort. The cumulative exposure to AC was measured using national reimbursement databases over the 3-year period preceding assessment of cognitive performance. Eight classes of AC drugs were differentiated. Episodic verbal memory, language abilities and executive functions were evaluated by validated neuropsychological tests. Analyses were controlled on lifestyle and health status variables.ResultsThis study showed a negative association between overall cumulative AC exposure and cognitive performances after adjustment. The use of drugs with possible AC effect according to the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden scale (ACB-1 score) was only associated with executive functions. Analyses of AC exposure across drug classes showed a negative association between the use of AC antipsychotics and all cognitive functions assessed. Heterogeneous associations were found for the use of AC anxiolytics, AC opioids and AC drugs targeting the gastrointestinal tract or metabolism. We did not find significant associations between the use of antihistamines, antidepressants, cardiovascular system or other AC medications and cognitive function.ConclusionAssociation between AC drugs and cognitive performance was highly heterogeneous across drug classes; this heterogeneity will have to be considered by future studies.

scholarly journals A-081 Cognitive Reserve Factors Influence Neuropsychological Performance in Alcohol Use Disorder

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 873-873
Author(s):  
Mcnally S ◽  
Syan S ◽  
Hargreaves T ◽  
Sarles Whittlesley H ◽  
McIntyre-Wood C ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Psychosocial Functioning ◽  
Alcohol Use Disorder ◽  
Cognitive Reserve ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Neuropsychological Performance ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Significant Group ◽  
Card Sort

Abstract Objective Cognitive reserve (CR) refers to the brain’s capacity to cope with pathology and preserve functioning. We investigated cognitive performance between individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and healthy controls to examine whether CR, operationalized as education and psychosocial functioning, influences neuropsychological functioning. Method We recruited 45 AUD (DSM-V criteria) who reported drinking levels exceeding NIAAA guidelines (&gt;14/7 drinks/week for men/women) and 30 healthy controls who did not. MANCOVAs controlling for CR were used to investigate between-group differences in neuropsychological performance, as measured by the NIH Toolbox. A series of linear regression analyses were also performed to evaluate effects of AUD and CR on neuropsychological performance. Psychosocial functioning, education, and AUD status were simultaneously entered as predictors of Flanker, Dimensional Change Card Sort, Picture Sequence, List Sort, and Processing Speed scores. Results MANCOVAs revealed a significantly slower processing speed in the AUD group compared to controls when controlling for CR (F = 4.30, p = .042). There were no significant group differences on other tests. Linear regressions showed only processing speed to be predicted by AUD (β = −.255, p = .042), while CR measures were not. Education predicted Picture Sequence (β = .245, p = .041) and Card Sort (β = .291, p = .009) performance, and psychosocial functioning predicted Flanker (β = .296, p = .021) and Card Sort (β = .316, p = .010) performance. Conclusions CR appears to contribute to higher-order cognitive functions, regardless of AUD status. Only processing speed, a domain typically susceptible to brain pathology, was significantly related to AUD. Thus, factors linked to CR may serve as important targets for future research and intervention in AUD to promote favorable cognitive outcomes.

scholarly journals Training of executive functions in healthy elderly: Results of a pilot study

2012 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-41
Author(s):  
Thaís Bento Lima-Silva ◽  
Aline Teixeira Fabrício ◽  
Laís dos Santos Vinholi e Silva ◽  
Glaúcia Martins de Oliveira ◽  
Wesley Turci da Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functions ◽  
Verbal Fluency ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Cognitive Intervention ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Healthy Elderly ◽  
Post Test ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT Executive functions (EF) refer to the cognitive skills necessary to formulate a goal, plan, execute plans effectively, and to perform self-monitoring and self-correction. Several aspects of EF change during the normal aging process. Objectives: To train skills associated with executive functions in the elderly and to detect possible impact on objective EF tests and self-reports of functional status. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving an intervention and pre and post testing was carried out. Study participants included 26 seniors assigned to an experimental group (EG) and given six sessions of cognitive intervention, and 17 seniors assigned to a control group (CG) who completed pre and post testing only. All participants were enrolled in an Open University for the Third Age. The following tests were used to measure outcome: the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), the Story subtest of the Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test (RBMT) (versions A and B), semantic verbal fluency fruit category, and verbal fluency with phonological constraints (FAS), WAIS-III Digit Span, Clock Drawing Test (CDT), Trail Making Part A and the Pfeffer Functional Assessment Questionnaire (PFAQ). Delta scores were calculated (post-test score minus pretest score) to assess the impact of the intervention. Results: In the post test, the CG showed significant improvement on the RBMT Story recall and Digit Span but a decline in verbal fluency. The EG remained stable in terms of pre and post test scores. Conclusions: The intervention did not enhance performance on the EF tests. It is noteworthy that the EG received only a small number of sessions which may not have been sufficient to generate improvement. Alternatively, the lack of group differences observed could be associated to participation in other workshops offered at the university.

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