scholarly journals Moderating Effects of BDNF Genetic Variants and Smoking on Cognition in PTSD Veterans

Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 641
Author(s):  
Gordana Nedic Erjavec ◽  
Matea Nikolac Perkovic ◽  
Lucija Tudor ◽  
Suzana Uzun ◽  
Zrnka Kovacic Petrovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Test Scores ◽  
Visual Memory ◽  
Memory Function ◽  
War Veterans ◽  
Immediate Recall ◽  
Complex Figure ◽  
Syndrome Scale ◽  
Short Term Visual Memory ◽  
Cognitive Disturbances

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is frequently associated with cognitive disturbances and high prevalence of smoking. This study evaluated cognition in war veterans with PTSD and control subjects, controlled for the effect of smoking and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) rs6265 and rs56164415 genotypes/alleles. Study included 643 male war veterans with combat related PTSD and 120 healthy controls. Genotyping was done by real time PCR. Cognitive disturbances were evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) cognition subscale and the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) test scores. Diagnosis (p < 0.001), BDNF rs56164415 (p = 0.011) and smoking (p = 0.028) were significant predictors of the cognitive decline in subjects with PTSD. BDNF rs56164415 T alleles were more frequently found in subjects with PTSD, smokers and non-smokers, with impaired cognition, i.e., with the higher PANSS cognition subscale scores and with the lower ROCF immediate recall test scores. Presence of one or two BDNF rs56164415 T alleles was related to cognitive decline in PTSD. The T allele carriers with PTSD had advanced cognitive deterioration in smokers and nonsmokers with PTSD, and worse short-term visual memory function. Our findings emphasize the role of the BDNF rs56164415 T allele and smoking in cognitive dysfunction in war veterans with PTSD.

scholarly journals White Matter Correlates of Hostility and Aggression in the Visuospatial Function Network in Patients With Schizophrenia

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iseul An ◽  
Tai Kiu Choi ◽  
Minji Bang ◽  
Sang-Hyuk Lee
Keyword(s):  
White Matter ◽  
Visuospatial Function ◽  
Immediate Recall ◽  
Complex Figure ◽  
Syndrome Scale ◽  
Left Posterior ◽  
Visuospatial Processing ◽  
Figure Test ◽  
Negative Syndrome ◽  
Function Network

Background: Violent acts in patients with schizophrenia are often associated with their hostility and aggression levels. Poor visuospatial processing has been suggested as a possible risk factor of violence in schizophrenia. However, studies investigating the relationship between hostility, aggression, and the visuospatial function have been lacking. Here, we aimed to investigate brain dysconnectivity associated with hostility and aggression in schizophrenia, particularly focusing on the visuospatial function network.Methods: Eighty-eight participants with schizophrenia and 42 healthy controls were enrolled. The visuospatial function network regions of interest were analyzed using Tract-Based Spatial Statistics. The hostility item from the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), aggressive, and agitated behavior item from the Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS), and the Rey Complex Figure Test (R-CFT) were measured.Results: Among the participants with schizophrenia, the SAPS aggressive and agitated behavior scores were significantly correlated with fractional anisotropies (FAs) of the white matter regions in the splenium of the corpus callosum (CC), left posterior thalamic radiations (PTR), and left posterior corona radiata (PCR). Exploratory correlational analysis revealed significant negative correlations between FAs of the splenium of the CC and R-CFT copy and immediate recall scores. In addition, three regions including CC, PTR, and PCR that significantly correlated with the aggression scores showed significant correlations with the total PANSS scores.Conclusion: Our main finding suggests that aggression of patients with schizophrenia may be associated with poor visuospatial ability and underlying white matter dysconnectivity. These may help enhance understanding aggression in patients with schizophrenia.

scholarly journals Which Neuropsychological Tests? Predicting Cognitive Decline and Dementia in Parkinson’s Disease in the ICICLE-PD Cohort

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Rachael A. Lawson ◽  
Caroline H. Williams-Gray ◽  
Marta Camacho ◽  
Gordon W. Duncan ◽  
Tien K. Khoo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Parkinson's Disease ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Verbal Fluency ◽  
Neuropsychological Tests ◽  
Visual Memory ◽  
Attention And Memory ◽  
Memory And Attention ◽  
Global Cognition

Background: Cognitive impairment is common in Parkinson’s disease (PD), with 80% cumulatively developing dementia (PDD). Objective: We sought to identify tests that are sensitive to change over time above normal ageing so as to refine the neuropsychological tests predictive of PDD. Methods: Participants with newly diagnosed PD (n = 211) and age-matched controls (n = 99) completed a range of clinical and neuropsychological tests as part of the ICICLE-PD study at 18-month intervals over 72 months. Impairments on tests were determined using control means (<1-2SD) and median scores. Mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) was classified using 1-2SD below normative values. Linear mixed effects modelling assessed cognitive decline, while Cox regression identified baseline predictors of PDD. Results: At 72 months, 46 (cumulative probability 33.9%) participants had developed PDD; these participants declined at a faster rate in tests of global cognition, verbal fluency, memory and attention (p <  0.05) compared to those who remained dementia-free. Impaired baseline global cognition, visual memory and attention using median cut-offs were the best predictors of early PDD (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.88, p <  0.001) compared to control-generated cut-offs (AUC = 0.76–0.84, p <  0.001) and PD-MCI (AUC] = 0.64–0.81, p <  0.001). Impaired global cognition and semantic fluency were the most useful brief tests employable in a clinical setting (AUC = 0.79, p <  0.001). Conclusion: Verbal fluency, attention and memory were sensitive to change in early PDD and may be suitable tests to measure therapeutic response in future interventions. Impaired global cognition, attention and visual memory were the most accurate predictors for developing a PDD. Future studies could consider adopting these tests for patient clinical trial stratification.

scholarly journals Longitudinal associations between late-life depression dimensions and cognitive functioning: a cross-domain latent growth curve analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 690-702 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Brailean ◽  
M. J. Aartsen ◽  
G. Muniz-Terrera ◽  
M. Prince ◽  
A. M. Prina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Memory Function ◽  
Somatic Symptoms ◽  
Late Life ◽  
Late Life Depression ◽  
Latent Growth ◽  
Depressed Affect ◽  
Over Time

BackgroundCognitive impairment and depression often co-occur in older adults, but it is not clear whether depression is a risk factor for cognitive decline, a psychological reaction to cognitive decline, or whether changes in depressive symptoms correlate with changes in cognitive performance over time. The co-morbid manifestation of depression and cognitive impairment may reflect either a causal effect or a common cause, depending on the specific symptoms experienced and the cognitive functions affected.MethodThe study sample comprised 1506 community-dwelling older adults aged ⩾65 years from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA). We conducted cross-domain latent growth curve analyses to examine longitudinal associations between late-life depression dimensions (i.e. depressed affect, positive affect, and somatic symptoms) and specific domains of cognitive functioning (i.e. processing speed, inductive reasoning, immediate recall, and delayed recall).ResultsPoorer delayed recall performance at baseline predicted a steeper increase in depressed affect over time. Steeper decline in processing speed correlated with a steeper increase in somatic symptoms of depression over time.ConclusionsOur findings suggest a prospective association between memory function and depressed affect, whereby older adults may experience an increase in depressed affect in reaction to poor memory function. Somatic symptoms of depression increased concurrently with declining processing speed, which may reflect common neurodegenerative processes. Our findings do not support the hypothesis that depression symptoms may be a risk factor for cognitive decline in the general population. These findings have potential implications for the treatment of late-life depression and for the prognosis of cognitive outcomes.

Visual Memory for Objects in Natural Scenes: From Fixations to Object Files

2005 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 931-960 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin W. Tatler ◽  
Iain D. Gilchrist ◽  
Michael F. Land
Keyword(s):  
Real World ◽  
Visual Memory ◽  
Natural Scenes ◽  
Position Information ◽  
Object Property ◽  
Immediate Recall ◽  
Object Files ◽  
Stability Data ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Types Of Information

Object descriptions are extracted and retained across saccades when observers view natural scenes. We investigated whether particular object properties are encoded and the stability of the resulting memories. We tested immediate recall of multiple types of information from real-world scenes and from computer-presented images of the same scenes. The relationship between fixations and properties of object memory was investigated. Position information was encoded and accumulated from multiple fixations. In contrast, identity and colour were encoded but did not require direct fixation and did not accumulate. In the current experiments, participants were unable to recall any information about shape or relative distances between objects. In addition, where information was encoded we found differential patterns of stability. Data from viewing real scenes and images were highly consistent, with stronger effects in the real-world conditions. Our findings imply that object files are not dependent upon the encoding of any particular object property and so are robust to dynamic visual environments.

A Feature-Segmentation Model of Short-Term Visual Memory

Perception ◽  
10.1068/p3320 ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 579-589 ◽  
Author(s):  
Koji Sakai ◽  
Toshio Inui
Keyword(s):  
Visual Memory ◽  
Random Variable ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Pattern Complexity ◽  
Convex Part ◽  
Good Account ◽  
Feature Segmentation ◽  
Short Term Visual Memory ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Response Feature

A feature-segmentation model of short-term visual memory (STVM) for contours is proposed. Memory of the first stimulus is maintained until the second stimulus is observed. Three processes interact to determine the relationship between stimulus and response: feature encoding, memory, and decision. Basic assumptions of the model are twofold: (i) the STVM system divides a contour into convex parts at regions of concavity; and (ii) the value of each convex part represented in STVM is an independent Gaussian random variable. Simulation showed that the five-parameter fits give a good account of the effects of the four experimental variables. The model provides evidence that: (i) contours are successfully encoded within 0.5 s exposure, regardless of pattern complexity; (ii) memory noise increases as a linear function of retention interval; (iii) the capacity of STVM, defined by pattern complexity (the degree that a pattern can be handled for several seconds with little loss), is about 4 convex parts; and (iv) the confusability contributing to the decision process is a primary factor in deteriorating recognition of complex figures. It is concluded that visually presented patterns can be retained in STVM with considerable precision for prolonged periods of time, though some loss of precision is inevitable.

scholarly journals The Effect of Working Memory Rehabilitation on Visual Memory and Memory Span

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mansour Mahmoudi Aghdam ◽  
Esmaeil Soleimani ◽  
Ali Issa Zadegan
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Decline ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Cognitive Aging ◽  
Visual Memory ◽  
Memory Span ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Memory Rehabilitation ◽  
The Mean

Introduction: Age-related cognitive decline or cognitive aging is largely the result of structural and functional decline in specific areas of the brain, but lifestyle also contributes to this cognitive decline. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of working memory rehabilitation on visual memory and memory span in ageing. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with pretest-posttest design and a control group. The study population included all elderly people who lived in Bukan Nursing Home from April to July 2019 (N = 120). Among these individuals, 30 elderly people were selected by convenience sampling method and then randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups (two groups of 15 people). Kim Karad Visual Memory Test and Wechsler Memory Span Test were taken from the groups in pretest. The working memory rehabilitation was performed in 18 sessions (each sessions 60-minute) and after which the test was performed again. The data were analyzed by multivariate covariance test according to its assumptions. Results: The results showed that after the rehabilitation of working memory, in the experimental group, the mean of short, medium and long components of visual memory were 12.00, 10.8 and 12.33, respectively, and the direct and inverse of memory span were 11.66 and 9.66, respectively. In the control group, the average of short, medium and long components of visual memory is 7.00, 6.70 and 9.00, respectively, and direct and inverse of memory span is 8.33 and 6.46, respectively. The difference in the mean scores between the two groups in the components of visual memory and memory span after the intervention was significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The results showed that working memory rehabilitation can improve visual memory and memory span, and it is recommended that this rehabilitation method be used to improve the cognitive functions of the elderly.

Quasiperiodic-Chaotic Neural Networks and Short-Term Analog Memory

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (01) ◽  
pp. 2130003
Author(s):  
Natsuhiro Ichinose
Keyword(s):  
Neural Networks ◽  
Visual Memory ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Quasiperiodic Solution ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Chaotic Neural Networks ◽  
Analog Memory ◽  
Short Term Visual Memory ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Chaotic Neuron

A model of quasiperiodic-chaotic neural networks is proposed on the basis of chaotic neural networks. A quasiperiodic-chaotic neuron exhibits quasiperiodic dynamics that an original chaotic neuron does not have. Quasiperiodic and chaotic solutions are exclusively isolated in the parameter space. The chaotic domain can be identified by the presence of a folding structure of an invariant closed curve. Using the property that the influence of perturbation is conserved in the quasiperiodic solution, we demonstrate short-term visual memory in which real numbers are acceptable for representing colors. The quasiperiodic solution is sensitive to dynamical noise when images are restored. However, the quasiperiodic synchronization among neurons can reduce the influence of noise. Short-term analog memory using quasiperiodicity is important in that it can directly store analog quantities. The quasiperiodic-chaotic neural networks are shown to work as large-scale analog storage arrays. This type of analog memory has potential applications to analog computation such as deep learning.

scholarly journals A-182 Convergent and Divergent Validity of the ChAMP with the CVLT-C and RCFT in Children with Epilepsy

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 977-977
Author(s):  
David C ◽  
Brooks B ◽  
Macallister W
Keyword(s):  
Verbal Memory ◽  
Visual Memory ◽  
Verbal Learning ◽  
California Verbal Learning Test ◽  
Divergent Validity ◽  
Complex Figure ◽  
Visual Tasks ◽  
Convergent And Divergent Validity ◽  
Learning Test ◽  
Figure Test

Abstract Objective As new measures of memory become available, clinicians may be cautious to adopt them without evidence supporting their validity. The present study assesses the convergent and divergent validity of the Child and Adolescent Memory Profile (ChAMP), with the California Verbal Learning Test Children’s (CVLT-C) and the Rey Complex Figure Test (RCFT) in children with epilepsy. Method Twenty four clinically referred children (16 female, 8 male, - age = 12.37 years, SD = 2.68) completed the ChAMP, CVLT-C, and RCFT. Pearson correlations assessed the ChAMP’s convergent and divergent validity with the CVLT-C and the RCFT. Base rate of impairment was calculated for scores ≤2nd percentile. Results The ChAMP verbal tasks demonstrated strong relations with CVLT-C (lists; r = 0.678 p = &lt; .001, instructions; r = 0.724 p = &lt; .001 with CVLT-C learning trials and ChAMP lists free recall with CVLT-C long delay r = 0.580 p = .003). The ChAMP visual tasks correlated strongly with the RCFT delay (objects; r = 0.570 p = .004, places; r = 0.619 p = .001, Visual Memory Index; r = 0.657 p = &lt; .001). However, divergent validity was limited as ChAMP Verbal Memory Index correlated with RCFT delay (r = 0.550 p = .005) and ChAMP Visual Memory Index with CVLT-C delay (r = 0.606 p = .002). Eight percent were deemed impaired on ChAMP lists delay similar to the CVLT-C delay (13%), however, ChAMP places delay identified 21% impaired, compared to the RCFT delay (42%). Conclusions ChAMP scores are strongly correlated with older established measures, but identify fewer cases as clinically impaired. This may reflect the more contemporary normative data or the fact that ChAMP tasks are less multifactorial in nature than are the CVLT-C and RCFT.

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