Phonemic Verbal Fluency and Midbrain Atrophy in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Antonina Luca ◽  
Alessandra Nicoletti ◽  
Giulia Donzuso ◽  
Claudio Terravecchia ◽  
Calogero Edoardo Cicero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy ◽  
Verbal Fluency ◽  
Brain Mri ◽  
Executive Dysfunction ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Test Time ◽  
Neuropsychological Profile ◽  
Phonemic Verbal Fluency ◽  
The Relationship

Background: The neuropsychological profile of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) patients is mainly characterized by executive dysfunction, but the relationship between the latter and midbrain atrophy is still unclear. Objective: The aims of the study were to investigate which test evaluating executive functioning is more frequently impaired in PSP patients and to evaluate the relationship between midbrain-based MRI morphometric measures and executive dysfunction. Methods: PSP patients who had undergone a neuropsychological battery assessing executive functioning with the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), the phonemic verbal fluency F-A-S, the Raven’s Progressive Colored Matrix, and the Stroop word colors test (time and errors) were enrolled in the study. A group of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients matched by age, sex, education, and global cognitive status was selected. All the enrolled patients also underwent a volumetric T1-3D brain MRI. Results: Thirty-five PSP patients and 35 PD patients were enrolled. Patients with PSP as compared to patients with PD showed a significant greater impairment in verbal fluency (16.0±7.9 and 23.4±8.7 words/180 s; p <  0.001) and a significant lower score at the FAB total score (11.5±3.8 and 13.7±3.4; p = 0.013). Midbrain area was significantly smaller in PSP patients than in PD patients (83.9±20.1 and 134.5±19.9 mm2; p <  0.001). In PSP patients, a significant positive correlation between verbal fluency and the midbrain area (r = 0.421; p = 0.028) was observed. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the phonemic verbal fluency is among the most frequently impaired executive functions in PSP patients and is strongly correlated to midbrain atrophy.

scholarly journals Cognitive Processes Underlying Verbal Fluency in Multiple Sclerosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfonso Delgado-Álvarez ◽  
Jordi A. Matias-Guiu ◽  
Cristina Delgado-Alonso ◽  
Laura Hernández-Lorenzo ◽  
Ana Cortés-Martínez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Cognitive Processes ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Verbal Fluency ◽  
Learning Algorithms ◽  
Executive Dysfunction ◽  
Machine Learning Algorithms ◽  
Semantic Fluency ◽  
Phonemic Fluency

Background: Verbal fluency (VF) has been associated with several cognitive functions, but the cognitive processes underlying verbal fluency deficits in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) are controversial. Further knowledge about VF could be useful in clinical practice, because these tasks are brief, applicable, and reliable in MS patients. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the cognitive processes related to VF and to develop machine-learning algorithms to predict those patients with cognitive deficits using only VF-derived scores.Methods: Two hundred participants with MS were enrolled and examined using a comprehensive neuropsychological battery, including semantic and phonemic fluencies. Automatic linear modeling was used to identify the neuropsychological test predictors of VF scores. Furthermore, machine-learning algorithms (support vector machines, random forest) were developed to predict those patients with cognitive deficits using only VF-derived scores.Results: Neuropsychological tests associated with attention-executive functioning, memory, and language were the main predictors of the different fluency scores. However, the importance of memory was greater in semantic fluency and clustering scores, and executive functioning in phonemic fluency and switching. Machine learning algorithms predicted general cognitive impairment and executive dysfunction, with F1-scores over 67–71%.Conclusions: VF was influenced by many other cognitive processes, mainly including attention-executive functioning, episodic memory, and language. Semantic fluency and clustering were more explained by memory function, while phonemic fluency and switching were more related to executive functioning. Our study supports that the multiple cognitive components underlying VF tasks in MS could serve for screening purposes and the detection of executive dysfunction.

Abstract WP206: Cognitive Functioning Predicts Engagement in Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ryan Lowder ◽  
Abhishek Jaywant ◽  
Michael O'Dell
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Patient Engagement ◽  
Verbal Fluency ◽  
Positive Reinforcement ◽  
Stroke Rehabilitation ◽  
Rank Order ◽  
College Education ◽  
Executive Dysfunction ◽  
Stroke Severity

Introduction: Patient engagement during inpatient stroke rehabilitation (ISR) is critical to long-term outcomes. Cognitive deficits have demonstrated impact on engagement in rehabilitation. Here, we prospectively investigated the relationship between specific cognitive domains and patient engagement during ISR. Methods: Of 423 patients completing ISR, 127 (30%) had complete data with mean age=67.63 + 15.46 years, NIHSS=6.78 + 5.68, and onset from stroke to ISR admission=8.55 + 7.72 days. The sample comprised 55% males and 56.7% had a college education or more. The National Institute of Neurologic Disorders - Canadian Stroke Network (NINDS-CSN) 30-minute cognitive screening battery was administered within 72 hours of ISR admission to assess verbal fluency, executive functioning, and memory. The Hopkins Rehabilitation Engagement Ratings Scale (HRERS; total score 0-30, higher=greater engagement) was completed by treating therapists at ISR discharge. Spearman rank-order correlations (r s ) examined the relationships between the HRERS total score and the NINDS-CSN total (the mean z-score across subtests) as well as its 8 subtests. Items with correlations p<.10 were entered into a logistic regression (controlling for age, comorbidity, and stroke severity) to predict low (HRERS ≤ 25) versus high engagers (HRERS > 26). Results: NINDS-CSN total and 6 subtests assessing verbal fluency and executive function were weakly to moderately correlated with HRERS scores (r s =0.23-.38, all p’s <.01). Memory subtests were not associated with HRERS. Higher NINDS-CSN total score and subtests reflecting executive functions modestly increased the odds of being a high engager (Odds Ratios ranged from 1.03-1.08, 95% CIs ranged from 1.013-1.134, all p’s < .01). Conclusion: Poor executive functioning may pose a barrier to patient engagement in ISR. Executive functions may impact patients’ ability to shift among activities, maintain attention, and rapidly process information during therapy. Rehabilitation therapists should consider making environmental modifications, providing more frequent guidance and positive reinforcement, and presenting simplified material to increase engagement in stroke patients with executive dysfunction.

scholarly journals Exploring the relationship between motor proficiency, executive functioning, and verbal fluency in child psychiatric inpatients

1998 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 86-87
Author(s):  
C.L. Swartz ◽  
R.R. Lajiness-O'Neill ◽  
L.L. Conant ◽  
B. Giordani ◽  
E.C. Butler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Verbal Fluency ◽  
Psychiatric Inpatients ◽  
Motor Proficiency ◽  
Child Psychiatric ◽  
The Relationship

scholarly journals Neuropsychological Profile of Lifetime Traumatic Brain Injury in Older Veterans

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-64 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison R. Kaup ◽  
Carrie Peltz ◽  
Kimbra Kenney ◽  
Joel H. Kramer ◽  
Ramon Diaz-Arrastia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Executive Dysfunction ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Cognitive Domain ◽  
Neuropsychological Profile ◽  
Adjusted Model

AbstractObjectives:The aim of this study was to characterize the neuropsychological profile of lifetime traumatic brain injury (TBI) in older Veterans.Methods:Participants were 169 older Veterans [mean age=79.1 years (range, 51–97 years), 89% male, 92% Caucasian], 88 with lifetime TBI and 81 without TBI, living in Veterans’ retirement homes in independent residence. TBI history was ascertained with the Ohio State TBI Identification Method structured interview. Cognition was assessed with neuropsychological tests: Raw scores were converted toZ-scores compared to age-corrected normative data and combined into five domain compositeZ-scores (attention/working memory, learning/memory, language, processing speed, executive functioning). We investigated the association between TBI and performance in each cognitive domain in linear mixed effects models, with and without adjustment for demographics, medical comorbidities, and psychiatric variables.Results:Compared to those without TBI, older Veterans with TBI had greater deficits in processing speed (estimate=−.52;p=.01;f2=.08 in fully adjusted model) and executive functioning (estimate=−.41;p=.02;f2=.06 in fully adjusted model) but performed similarly in the attention/working memory, learning/memory, and language domains (allp>.05). TBI-associated deficits were most prominent among individuals with multiple mild TBIs and those with any moderate-to-severe TBI, but were not clearly present among those with single mild TBI.Conclusions:The neuropsychological profile of lifetime TBI in older Veterans is characterized by slowed processing speed and executive dysfunction, especially among those with greater injury burden. This pattern may reflect long-standing deficits or a TBI-associated cognitive decline process distinct from Alzheimer’s disease. (JINS, 2017,23, 56–64)

Postural control and executive functioning in patients with schizophrenia

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S195-S195
Author(s):  
M. Yildirim ◽  
A. Elvan ◽  
G. Ercegil ◽  
I.E. Simsek ◽  
S. Savci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Postural Control ◽  
Verbal Fluency ◽  
Postural Sway ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Motor Task ◽  
Executive Dysfunction ◽  
Proprioceptive Information ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Eyes Closed

IntroductionPatients with schizophrenia commonly show deficits in executive functioning that allow a person to make plans, solve problems, do many tasks simultaneously and adapt to unexpected conditions. Executive dysfunction is associated with very simple and automatic activities, such as walking in schizophrenia patients. However, no study exists about its relation to postural control in these patients.AimTo investigate the effect of executive functioning on postural control using dual task paradigms.MethodsFifteen clinically stable schizophrenia outpatients and 15 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Postural control was assessed with bilateral stance test using the Balance Master system under three different conditions with eyes open and eyes closed (EC): without a task, during a cognitive task (verbal fluency) and during a motor task (holding a cup of water).ResultsStanding on a foam surface with EC resulted in higher postural sway velocities in schizophrenia patients under all conditions (P = 0.009, P = 0.032, P = 0.013). During a cognitive task, both schizophrenia patients and healthy controls showed higher velocities on firm surface with EC in comparison to the condition without a task (P = 0.023). Both schizophrenia patients and healthy controls did not show higher postural sway velocities during the motor task.ConclusionThe effect of verbal fluency on postural sway shows the relationship between executive functioning and postural control in schizophrenia patients. Foam surface also higher postural sway velocities in schizophrenia patients in EC condition suggesting the difficulties in integrating the proprioceptive information in the absence of visual input.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals The relationship of neuropsychological functioning to adaptation outcome in adolescents with spina bifida

2008 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 793-804 ◽  
Author(s):  
AMY K. HEFFELFINGER ◽  
JENNIFER I. KOOP ◽  
PHILIP S. FASTENAU ◽  
TIMOTHY J. BREI ◽  
LISA CONANT ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spina Bifida ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Ecological Model ◽  
Neuropsychological Functioning ◽  
Executive Dysfunction ◽  
Functional Independence ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Adolescents with spina bifida (SB) vary in their ability to adapt to the disease, and it is likely that numerous risk and protective factors affect adaptation outcomes. The primary aim was to test neuropsychological impairment, exemplified herein by executive dysfunction, as a risk factor in the Ecological Model of Adaptation for Adolescents with SB. Specific hypotheses were that: (1) executive functioning predicts the adaptation outcome of functional independence in adolescents with SB; (2) executive functioning mediates the impact of neurological severity on functional independence; and (3) family and adolescent protective factors are related to functional independence and moderate the relationship between executive functioning and functional independence. Forty-three adolescents aged 12–21 years completed neuropsychological measures and an interview that assessed risk, adolescent and family protective factors, and functional independence. Age, level of lesion, executive functioning, and the protective factor adolescent activities were significantly correlated with the functional independence outcome. In hierarchical regression analysis, the model accounted for 61% of the variance in functional independence outcomes. Executive functioning mediated the impact of neurological severity on functional independence. (JINS, 2008, 14, 793–804.)

scholarly journals EPISODIC MEMORY IMPAIRMENT IN PROGRESSIVE SUPRANUCLEAR PALSY (PSP): A NEUROIMAGING INVESTIGATION

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arthur Cassa Macedo ◽  
Luciano Inácio ◽  
Mariano Elisa De Paula França Resende ◽  
Antônio Lúcio Teixeira Júnior ◽  
Sarah Teixeira Camargos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy ◽  
Memory Impairment ◽  
Brain Mri ◽  
Executive Dysfunction ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Parahippocampal Gyrus ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Delayed Recall ◽  
Temporal Structures

Background: Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) has been classically considered a “subcortical dementia” with a frontal pattern of cognitive decline, but episodic memory dysfunction also occurs in most patients. However, it remains uncertain whether this is due to executive dysfunction or to the involvement of key brain areas responsible for memory processes. Objective: We aim to identify the specific brain regions underlying episodic memory impairment in PSP. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we included 21 patients with PSP and 20 healthy controls matched for age, sex, and schooling. Participants underwent the Brief Cognitive Battery (BCB, including the Figures Test for episodic memory) and had brain MRI. Both standard exploratory voxel‐based morphometry and region of interest analyses were performed with FSL software. Results: Compared to controls, PSP patients performed worse (p < 0.001) on the BCB (delayed recall). Adjusting for both age and Frontal Assessment Battery scores, neuroimaging analyses of the correlation between delayed recall (5 minutes) and grey matter volumes yielded significant clusters on medial temporal structures, including the hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, and parahippocampal gyrus (FWE, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results suggest that atrophy of medial temporal structures may play a role in episodic memory impairment in PSP, indicating that amnesia in PSP is not due to executive dysfunction.

scholarly journals Executive Function performance in patients with obesity: A systematic review

Psychologia ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-134
Author(s):  
Daniel Alfredo Landinez ◽  
Sebastian Robledo Giraldo ◽  
Diana Marcela Montoya Londoño
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Eating Behaviors ◽  
Citation Network ◽  
Executive Dysfunction ◽  
Food Choices ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
General Description ◽  
Brain Changes ◽  
The Relationship

Executive dysfunction is associated with the inability to control aberrant behaviors, such as chronic overeating (Moore, Sabino, Koob, & Cottone, 2017). Obese individuals often report great difficulties controlling eating behaviors, despite a desire to successfully lose weight (Dohle, Diel, & Hofmann, 2018). However, current literature lacks a systematic review about the relationship between executive dysfunction and Obesity. The aim of this study is to present the most important findings about this matter. First, a bibliometric analysis shows the evolution of the topic. Then, the Tree of Science tool is used to show a chronological review that provides a general description of the roots and current perspectives of the state of literature. Finally, clustering analysis of the co-citation network was employed to identify the different perspectives of the topic. The main findings suggest four approaches: (1) effects of body mass index on executive functioning, (2) executive functioning in children with overweight and obesity, (3) physical activity for adult obesity and (4) structural and functional brain changes in obesity. Preliminary data state that in obesity, poor food choices may be associated with frontal cognitive impairments that contribute to reduced orbito-frontal cortex volume. 

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