scholarly journals Cognitive performance and specific aspects of language processing are associated with Oldowan-like chert flaking and retouch

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petar Gabrić ◽  
Marko Banda ◽  
Ivor Karavanić
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Evolutionary Relationship ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Visuospatial Working Memory ◽  
Neuropsychological Battery ◽  
Neurophysiological Studies

Abstract Experimental data suggesting a co-evolutionary relationship between Palaeolithic stone toolmaking, and cognition and language remain limited to indirect findings of neurophysiological studies. Furthermore, retouch and quartz flaking remain uninvestigated. We recruited thirteen subjects and taught them to produce quartz choppers and chert sidescrapers in either a verbal or gestural condition. Two raters rated on a 5-point scale the subjects’ performances on specific steps of the two stone toolmaking tasks. Subjects also performed on a neuropsychological battery encompassing visuospatial, executive functioning, and linguistic tasks. Given the small sample size, the results should be regarded as exploratory and preliminary. There was only limited evidence that verbal compared to gestural teaching facilitated acquisition. Quartz chopper manufacture was not associated with cognitive performance. Conversely, chert flaking and retouch were moderately and strongly associated with visuospatial working memory and executive functioning. Specific aspects of chert flaking were also associated with verbal fluency performance, showing, among others, moderate and strong positive associations with the productivity and rate of production of syntactically transitive verbs on action fluency. Controversially assuming similar results would have been obtained by testing extinct hominins, our results possibly suggest Oldowan hominins relied on modern-like visuospatial working memory and executive functioning during chert knapping. Furthermore, some prerequisites for aspects of action language and syntactic transitivity in modern humans might have been to some degree present in Oldowan hominin populations. We conclude by proposing that the quality of performance on Oldowan knapping may not reflect the full level of cognitive capacities of Oldowan populations.

scholarly journals Cognitive performance and specific aspects of language processing are associated with Oldowan-like chert flaking and retouch

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petar Gabrić ◽  
Marko Banda ◽  
Ivor Karavanić
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Direct Evidence ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Olduvai Gorge ◽  
Visuospatial Working Memory ◽  
Modern Humans ◽  
Cognitive Capacities ◽  
Action Language

A vast amount of literature suggests a co-evolutionary relationship between Palaeolithic stone toolmaking, and cognition and specifically language. However, empirical data remain limited to indirect findings of neurophysiological studies. Furthermore, most Oldowan studies have used chert and have not investigated retouch, even though quartz and lava were predominant raw materials during periods of chert unavailability, and even though chert was disproportionately more frequently used for retouch compared to other raw materials during periods of chert availability, at least in the Olduvai Gorge. The study recruited 13 young adults with no prior experience in knapping. Subjects were taught by an experienced knapper to produce quartz choppers and chert sidescrapers in either a verbal or gestural condition. Two raters rated on a 5-point scale the subjects’ performances on specific steps of the two stone toolmaking tasks. In a post-experimental interview, subjects stated which aspects of the tasks they preferred or disfavored. Subjects also performed on a neuropsychological battery encompassing visuospatial, executive functioning, and linguistic tasks. Given the small sample size, the results should be regarded as exploratory and preliminary. Our results are further limited to the early acquisition phase and may not reflect processes in modern experienced knappers. Descriptive data suggested better performance across all stone toolmaking variables in the verbal compared to gestural condition, but only flake quality on the sidescraper task was significantly different between groups. Analyses of the stone toolmaking variables suggested subjects perceived quartz and chert flaking very differently. Correlational and other analyses suggested that quartz chopper manufacture was not associated with cognitive performance. Conversely, chert flaking and retouch were strongly associated with visuospatial working memory, showing that subjects with a higher memory span produced better chert flakes and retouch. Retouch only was moderately associated with executive functioning measures, showing subjects who made fewer errors on the tasks were better on retouch. Specific aspects of chert flaking were also associated with verbal fluency performance, showing, among others, moderate and strong positive associations with the productivity and rate of production of syntactically transitive verbs on action fluency. Evolutionary implications can be drawn from our research only if we controversially assume similar results would have been obtained had we tested early hominins and not modern humans. Following this axiom, our results suggest that Oldowan hominins relied on modern-like visuospatial working memory during chert flaking and retouch, and, to a lesser degree, modern-like executive functioning during chert retouch. This is contrary to previous Oldowan studies suggesting no involvement of executive functioning during Oldowan-like flaking. Results from the linguistic tasks controversially suggest that some of the prerequisites for aspects of action language and syntactic transitivity (verb-object phrases) in modern humans were to some degree present in Oldowan hominin populations. Because Olduvai Gorge hominins readily incorporated chert for stone toolmaking in periods of chert availability, our results suggest that these cognitive capacities were phylogenetically not related to chert knapping. Finally, we propose that the quality of performance on Oldowan flaking and retouch may not reflect the full level of cognitive capacities of Oldowan populations. We provide the first direct evidence for an association between Palaeolithic stone toolmaking and cognitive performance in modern humans, while previous studies have inferred cognitive processes from neuroimaging data. We also provide the first direct evidence for an association between Palaeolithic stone toolmaking, and action language and simple syntactic transitivity in modern humans.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cognitive Performance among People with Chronic Use of Opioids for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain

Pain Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Akhurst ◽  
Monica Lovell ◽  
Amy Peacock ◽  
Raimondo Bruno
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Cancer Pain ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Case Control ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Attention And Memory ◽  
Small Magnitude ◽  
Meta Analyses

Abstract Objective Opioids, often prescribed for chronic non-cancer pain, may adversely affect cognition. Research has not been synthesised in recent years, during which time academic interest has increased. This study presents meta-analyses on cognitive performance in people taking opioids for CNCP. Methods We ran systematic literature searches in EMBASE, Medline, and PsycINFO. Eligible studies included people taking opioids for CNCP and an opioid-free group (i.e., case-control) or session (e.g., pre-post), and objective cognitive assessments. Using random-effects meta-analyses, we computed pooled effect sizes for differential task performance for each study design across five domains (motor performance, attention, working memory, executive functions, memory). Results Seventeen studies were included. Case-control studies covered 3 control types (healthy, CNCP, taper-off). Pre-post studies were grouped into 5 follow-ups (4–6 and 6–9 weeks; 3, 6, and 12 months). Effect sizes ranged from 0.02–0.62. Cases showed small magnitude impairments in attention and memory compared with healthy controls. Although limited by small sample sizes, there was no clear evidence of impairment in cases compared with opioid-free controls with CNCP. Cases showed some cognitive improvements from opioid-free baseline to follow-up. Effects were strongest for attention and working memory, and were apparent from 4 weeks to 6 months follow-up. Other effects were small and non-significant. Conclusions Opioid therapy for CNCP did not worsen cognitive performance and improved it for some domains. People who take opioids for CNCP may evidence deficits in attention and memory, but this is unlikely to translate to global impairment and likely relates to pain more so than opioids.

scholarly journals Spatial working memory in Alzheimer's disease: A study using the Corsi block-tapping test

2007 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 392-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carla Cristina Guariglia
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Spatial Memory ◽  
Spatial Working Memory ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Digit Span ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Mild Dementia ◽  
Moderate Dementia

Abstract The Corsi block-tapping test was developed as a non-verbal task to measure spatial memory. In this test, cubes are tapped by the examiner in novel sequences of increasing length after which participants are required to reproduce each sequence immediately. Objectives: To evaluate spatial working memory in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Methods: 30 elderly control subjects (21 women, 9 men) and 30 patients with probable Alzheimer's disease (15 women and 15 men), with 8 or more years of schooling, were evaluated with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), digit span and Corsi block-tapping test. Proportions were compared using Chi-Square, and continuous variables with the Mann-Whitney tests. Results: AD patients were older than controls (p=0.014), but there were no differences regarding gender or educational level between these groups. The performance on the Corsi block-tapping test differed between AD and control individuals (p=0.010), and between patients with moderate dementia and controls (p=0.032), but not between control individuals and patients with mild dementia (p=0.090). Conclusions: In the present study, AD patients with moderate dementia showed impairment in spatial working memory while those with mild dementia did not. This finding may be due to the relatively small sample size, but it is also possible that spatial memory may be normal in the initial (limbic) phase of AD.

Visuospatial Working Memory, Executive Functioning, Language Comprehension and Aging

NeuroImage ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 47 ◽  
pp. S109 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Sammer ◽  
C Brück ◽  
A Haberkamp ◽  
M Bischoff ◽  
CR Blecker
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Language Comprehension ◽  
Visuospatial Working Memory

A systematic review of treatments for alcohol-related cognitive impairment: lessons from the past and gaps for future interventions

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (13) ◽  
pp. 2113-2127
Author(s):  
Elsa Caballeria ◽  
Clara Oliveras ◽  
Laura Nuño ◽  
Mercedes Balcells-Oliveró ◽  
Antoni Gual ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Long Term Memory ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Jadad Scale ◽  
No Gold Standard

AbstractAlcohol-related cognitive impairment (ARCI) is highly prevalent among patients with alcohol dependence. Although it negatively influences treatment outcome, this condition is underdiagnosed and undertreated. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the existing evidence regarding both cognitive and pharmacological interventions for ARCI. We systematically reviewed PubMed, Scopus and Science direct databases up to May 2019 and followed the PRISMA guidelines. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Jadad Scale. Twenty-six studies were eligible for inclusion (14 referring to neuropsychological interventions and 12 to pharmacological treatments). Among neuropsychological interventions, computerised treatments, errorless learning and component method showed positive effects on working memory, memory measures and general cognitive function. On the other hand, thiamine, memantine and methylphenidate improved working memory, long-term memory and general cognitive function. Nevertheless, these studies have several limitations, such as small sample size, lack of replication of the results or low specificity of the interventions. Therefore, no gold-standard intervention can yet be recommended for clinical practice, and further research based on promising strategies (e.g. digital interventions, thiamine) is required.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and executive functioning in affected and unaffected adolescents and their parents: challenging the endophenotype construct

2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 881-892 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. J. A. M. Thissen ◽  
N. N. J. Rommelse ◽  
P. J. Hoekstra ◽  
C. Hartman ◽  
D. Heslenfeld ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Large Family ◽  
Visuospatial Working Memory ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
The Core ◽  
Parental Adhd ◽  
Adolescent Offspring

BackgroundThe results of twin and sibling studies suggest that executive functioning is a prime candidate endophenotype in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, studies have not assessed the co-segregation of executive function (EF) deficits from parents to offspring directly, and it is unclear whether executive functioning is an ADHD endophenotype in adolescents, given the substantial changes in prefrontal lobe functioning, EF and ADHD symptoms during adolescence.MethodWe recruited 259 ADHD and 98 control families with an offspring average age of 17.3 years. All participants were assessed for ADHD and EF [inhibition, verbal (VWM) and visuospatial working memory (VsWM)]. Data were analysed using generalized estimating equations (GEEs).ResultsParental ADHD was associated with offspring ADHD and parental EF was associated with offspring EF but there were no cross-associations (parental ADHD was not associated with offspring EF or vice versa). Similar results were found when siblings were compared. EF deficits were only found in affected adolescents and not in their unaffected siblings or (un)affected parents.ConclusionsThe core EFs proposed to be aetiologically related to ADHD, that is working memory and inhibition, seem to be aetiologically independent of ADHD in adolescence. EF deficits documented in childhood in unaffected siblings were no longer present in adolescence, suggesting that children ‘grow out’ of early EF deficits. This is the first study to document ADHD and EF in a large family sample with adolescent offspring. The results suggest that, after childhood, the majority of influences on ADHD are independent from those on EF. This has potential implications for current aetiological models of causality in ADHD.

Mood, neuropsychological function and cognitions in premenstrual dysphoric disorder

1999 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 727-733 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. S. MAN ◽  
I. MacMILLAN ◽  
J. SCOTT ◽  
A. H. YOUNG
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Menstrual Cycle ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Random Order ◽  
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Neuropsychological Function ◽  
Cognitive Correlates ◽  
And Control

Background. Neuropsychological function and cognitive correlates of depression have not previously been examined in a rigorously defined population of patients suffering from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).Method. Mood, neuropsychological function and cognition were measured in 10 PMDD patients and 10 age-matched controls in both phases of the menstrual cycle in a random order, counter-balanced design.Results. The BDI was significantly elevated in the luteal phase of PMDD patients only while other cognitive measures showed no significant differences. Working memory was impaired in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle with no significant differences between PMDD and control subjects.Conclusion. Despite the small sample size, these results show that the BDI is sensitive to the mood fluctuations of PMDD patients. An impairment in working memory was also found although this is a general menstrual cycle effect.

scholarly journals Is heart rate variability related to cognitive performance in visuospatial working memory?

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muthukrishnan Suriya-Prakash ◽  
Gurja John-Preetham ◽  
Ratna Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Memory Load ◽  
Memory Task ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Visuospatial Working Memory ◽  
Working Memory Load

In the current study, we investigated the relation between cognitive performance and heart rate variability in visuospatial working memory. We used a visuospatial working memory paradigm involving simultaneous encoding, maintenance, active manipulation and retrieval to simulate routine daily activities. Subjects performed the visuospatial working memory paradigm which had 3 memory loads and simultaneous ECG recording was acquired for measuring heart rate variability. Based on the performance in the visuospatial working memory task, subjects were segregated into two groups: Good performers and poor performers. Two major findings emerged in this study. First, the heart rate variability decreased with an increase in the working memory load. Second, good performers had relatively higher heart rate variability compared to poor performers while performing the visuospatial working memory task. Our results highlighted the influence of cognitive performance on heart rate variability. In summary, the current study indicates that the heart rate variability during the visuospatial working memory task could predict the qualitative differences in the cognitive performance between the individuals.

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