scholarly journals Contribution of Nonverbal Cognitive Skills on Bilingual Children’s Grammatical Performance: Influence of Exposure, Task Type, and Language of Assessment

Languages ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taffeta Wood ◽  
Amy S. Pratt ◽  
Kathleen Durant ◽  
Stephanie McMillen ◽  
Elizabeth D. Peña ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Cognitive Skills ◽  
Task Type ◽  
Interaction Terms ◽  
Language Exposure ◽  
Narrative Performance ◽  
Narrative Language ◽  
Linear Regressions ◽  
Variance Explained

This study explores the contribution of nonverbal working memory and processing speed on bilingual children’s morphosyntactic knowledge, after controlling for language exposure. Participants include 307 Spanish–English bilinguals in Kindergarten, second, and fourth grade (mean age = 7;8, SD = 18 months). Morphosyntactic knowledge in English and Spanish was measured using two separate language tasks: a cloze task and a narrative language task. In a series of four hierarchical linear regressions predicting cloze and narrative performance in English and Spanish, we evaluate the proportion of variance explained after adding (a) English exposure, (b) processing speed and working memory, and (c) interaction terms to the model. The results reveal the differential contribution of nonverbal cognitive skills across English and Spanish. Cognition was not significantly related to performance on either grammatical cloze or narrative tasks in Spanish. Narrative tasks in English were significantly predicted by processing speed, after controlling for age and exposure. Grammatical cloze tasks in English posed an additional cognitive demand on working memory. The findings suggest that cognitive demands vary for bilinguals based on the language of assessment and the task.

scholarly journals Improvement of Working Memory and Processing Speed in Patients over 70 with Bilateral Hearing Impairment Following Unilateral Cochlear Implantation

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (15) ◽  
pp. 3421
Author(s):  
Steffen Knopke ◽  
Arvid Schubert ◽  
Sophia Marie Häussler ◽  
Stefan Gräbel ◽  
Agnieszka J. Szczepek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Hearing Impairment ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Cochlear Implantation ◽  
Cognitive Skills ◽  
Research Question ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Neurocognitive Deficits ◽  
Adult Intelligence Scale ◽  
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale

Several studies demonstrated the association of hearing disorders with neurocognitive deficits and dementia disorders, but little is known about the effects of auditory rehabilitation on the cognitive performance of the elderly. Therefore, the research question of the present study was whether cochlear implantation, performed in 21 patients over 70 with bilateral severe hearing impairment, could influence their cognitive skills. The measuring points were before implantation and 12 months after the first cochlear implant (CI) fitting. Evaluation of the working memory (WMI) and processing speed (PSI) was performed using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale 4th edition (WAIS-IV). The audiological assessment included speech perception (SP) in quiet (Freiburg monosyllabic test; FMT), noise (Oldenburg sentence test; OLSA), and self-assessment inventory (Oldenburg Inventory; OI). Twelve months after the first CI fitting, not only the auditory parameters (SP and OI), but also the WMI and PSI, improved significantly (p < 0.05) in the cohort. The presented results imply that cochlear implantation of bilaterally hearing-impaired patients over 70 positively influences their cognitive skills.

scholarly journals Neural Timing Deficits Prevalent in Developmental Disorders, Aging, and Concussions Remediated Rapidly By Movement Discrimination Exercises

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teri Lawton ◽  
John Shelley-Tremblay ◽  
Ming-Xiong Huang
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Cognitive Skills ◽  
Developmental Disorders ◽  
Visual Motion ◽  
Source Imaging ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Before And After ◽  
High Level ◽  
Movement Discrimination

(1) Background: Substantial evidence that neural timing deficits are prevalent in developmental disorders, aging, and concussions resulting from a mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) is presented. We show that if timing deficits are remediated using low-level movement discrimination training, then high-level cognitive skills, including reading, attention, processing speed, and working memory improve substantially. (2) Methods: Two case studies are presented using MEG source imaging on an adult dyslexic, and a healthy older adult observed before and after training on movement discrimination two times/week for 8 weeks for adult dyslexic. (3) Results: We found improvements in reading, attention, processing speed, and working memory on neuropsychological tests. Substantial MEG signal increases in visual Motion Networks (V1, V3, MT, MST), Attention Networks (ACC, dlPFC, vlPFC and precuneous/ PCC areas) and Memory Networks (dlPFC). (4) Conclusions: Improving neural timing deficits before cognitive exercises to improve specific cognitive skills provides a rapid and effective method to improve cognitive skills. Improving the timing and sensitivity of low-level dorsal pathways, improving feedforward and feedback pathways, is essential to improve high-level cognitive skills. This adaptive training with substantial feedback shows cognitive transfer to tasks not trained on, significantly improving a person’s quality of life rapidly and effectively.

scholarly journals Cognitive Impairment in Adult Patients with 5q-Associated Spinal Muscular Atrophy

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 1184
Author(s):  
Kathrin Kizina ◽  
Yakup Akkaya ◽  
Daniel Jokisch ◽  
Benjamin Stolte ◽  
Andreas Totzeck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Cognitive Skills ◽  
Muscular Atrophy ◽  
Normal Population ◽  
Systemic Disease ◽  
Adult Intelligence Scale ◽  
Verbal Comprehension ◽  
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale ◽  
Perceptual Reasoning

In previous studies, a below-average, average, or above-average intelligence quotient (IQ) in children with SMA was detected but, aside from a severe physical disability, the cognitive performance of adult SMA patients has not yet been evaluated. The intelligence test used in this study, the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, fourth edition (WAIS-IV), was used to measure major intelligence components of adult SMA patients. The WAIS-IV determines four index scores representing verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed. Due to time-dependent demands on motor function, the processing speed index score was excluded. IQ index scores of 33 adult SMA patients did not differ from IQ index scores of the normal population. In SMA type-3 patients, the index scores for verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, and working memory did not differ from the normal population but showed a trend of IQ scores towards lower points. Patients with SMA type 2 had lower IQ index scores for working memory (90.33 ± 12.95; p = 0.012) and perceptual reasoning (90.73 ± 12.58; p = 0.013) than the normal population. This study provided further evidence that SMA is a multi-systemic disease and may refute the widespread hypothesis that SMA patients might improve their cognitive skills to compensate for their physical impairment.

Basic numerical processing, calculation, and working memory in children with dyscalculia and/or ADHD symptoms

2016 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. 365-375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jörg-Tobias Kuhn ◽  
Elena Ise ◽  
Julia Raddatz ◽  
Christin Schwenk ◽  
Christian Dobel
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Verbal Working Memory ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Cognitive Profiles ◽  
Adhd Symptoms ◽  
Memory Processing ◽  
Numerical Processing ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Neurocognitive Measures

Abstract. Objective: Deficits in basic numerical skills, calculation, and working memory have been found in children with developmental dyscalculia (DD) as well as children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This paper investigates cognitive profiles of children with DD and/or ADHD symptoms (AS) in a double dissociation design to obtain a better understanding of the comorbidity of DD and ADHD. Method: Children with DD-only (N = 33), AS-only (N = 16), comorbid DD+AS (N = 20), and typically developing controls (TD, N = 40) were assessed on measures of basic numerical processing, calculation, working memory, processing speed, and neurocognitive measures of attention. Results: Children with DD (DD, DD+AS) showed deficits in all basic numerical skills, calculation, working memory, and sustained attention. Children with AS (AS, DD+AS) displayed more selective difficulties in dot enumeration, subtraction, verbal working memory, and processing speed. Also, they generally performed more poorly in neurocognitive measures of attention, especially alertness. Children with DD+AS mostly showed an additive combination of the deficits associated with DD-only and A_Sonly, except for subtraction tasks, in which they were less impaired than expected. Conclusions: DD and AS appear to be related to largely distinct patterns of cognitive deficits, which are present in combination in children with DD+AS.


Do the processing speed index and working memory index of the WAIS-IV predict performance on the Stroop Color-Word task?

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Yassin ◽  
Kayla Spengler ◽  
Jared S. Link ◽  
Corrine Babika ◽  
Victoria Sterk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Color Word ◽  
Processing Speed Index ◽  
Word Task

Verbal fluency in male and female schizophrenia patients: Different patterns of association with processing speed, working memory span, and clinical symptoms.

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gildas Brébion ◽  
Christian Stephan-Otto ◽  
Susana Ochoa ◽  
Lourdes Nieto ◽  
Montserrat Contel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Verbal Fluency ◽  
Memory Span ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Male And Female

scholarly journals Implementation and Evaluation of a Serious Game for Working Memory Enhancement

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (24) ◽  
pp. 9128
Author(s):  
Agisilaos Chaldogeridis ◽  
Thrasyvoulos Tsiatsos
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Cognitive Skills ◽  
Intervention Program ◽  
Evaluation Process ◽  
Serious Game ◽  
Memory Enhancement ◽  
Targeted Interventions ◽  
Mental Abilities ◽  
Key Aspects

The amount of information which can be stored in the human brain is limited and dependent on memory capacity. Over the last few years there has been a trend in training cognitive skills, not only to prevent cognitive decline, which is inevitable as a person grows older, but also to increase or at least preserve mental abilities that will allow a person to function at a higher cognitive level. Memory is one of those key aspects among cognitive skills that has a significant role in a person’s mental performance. Specifically, focus is given to Working Memory (WM), as evidence has shown that it can be increased by applying targeted interventions. An intervention program like this is the main object of this current paper. Using a Serious Game (SG), we designed and created a video game which targets WM training. Its effectiveness was tested and evaluated through an evaluation process where forty people participated in a seven-week training program. Post-results showed that participants had an increase in their WM performance, especially those who had lower scores at the pre-test, while those with high pre-test scores just preserved their initial status. Additionally, all participants agreed that the game is fun and enjoyable to play and that it helps them to increase WM performance.

scholarly journals QOL-01. LONGITUDINAL COMPARISON OF NEUROCOGNITIVE TRAJECTORIES IN PEDIATRIC MEDULLOBLASTOMA PATIENTS TREATED WITH PROTON VERSUS PHOTON RADIOTHERAPY

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. iii431-iii431
Author(s):  
Lisa Kahalley ◽  
Rachel Peterson ◽  
M Douglas Ris ◽  
Laura Janzen ◽  
M Fatih Okcu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Parental Education ◽  
Normal Brain ◽  
Treatment Protocols ◽  
Pediatric Medulloblastoma ◽  
Boost Dose ◽  
Perceptual Reasoning ◽  
Photon Radiotherapy ◽  
Over Time

Abstract PURPOSE By reducing dose to normal brain tissue, proton radiotherapy (PRT) may lessen neurocognitive risk traditionally associated with photon radiotherapy (XRT). We examined change in neurocognitive scores over time in pediatric medulloblastoma patients treated with PRT versus XRT. METHODS Neurocognitive scores from 79 patients (37 PRT, 42 XRT) were examined. Patients were treated between 2007–2018 on the same treatment protocols that differed only by craniospinal modality (PRT versus XRT). Change in scores over time since diagnosis were compared between groups. RESULTS Groups were similar on most demographic/clinical variables: sex (67.1% male), age at diagnosis (mean 8.6 years), CSI dose (median 23.4 Gy), length of follow-up (mean 4.3 years), and parental education (mean 14.3 years). Boost dose (p&lt;0.001) and margin (p=0.001) differed between groups. Adjusting for covariates, the PRT group exhibited superior outcomes in global IQ, perceptual reasoning, and working memory versus the XRT group (all p&lt;0.05). The XRT group exhibited significant decline in global IQ, working memory, and processing speed (all p&lt;0.05). The PRT group exhibited stable scores in all domains except processing speed (p=0.003). Posterior fossa syndrome imparted risk independent of modality. CONCLUSION This is the first study comparing neurocognitive trajectories between pediatric patients treated for medulloblastoma with PRT versus XRT on comparable, contemporary protocols. PRT was associated with more favorable neurocognitive outcomes in most domains compared to XRT, although processing speed emerged as vulnerable in both groups. This is the strongest evidence to date of an intellectual sparing advantage with PRT in the treatment of pediatric medulloblastoma.

Cognition in Early Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: Consequences May Be Relative to Working Memory

2013 ◽  
Vol 19 (8) ◽  
pp. 938-949 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay I. Berrigan ◽  
Jo-Anne LeFevre ◽  
Laura M. Rees ◽  
Jason Berard ◽  
Mark S. Freedman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Group Membership ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Relapsing Remitting ◽  
Disease Stages

AbstractThe Relative Consequence Model proposes multiple sclerosis (MS) patients have a fundamental deficit in processing speed that compromises other cognitive functions. The present study examined the mediating role of processing speed, as well as working memory, in the MS-related effects on other cognitive functions for early relapsing-remitting patients. Seventy relapsing-remitting MS patients with disease duration not greater than 10 years and 72 controls completed tasks assessing processing speed, working memory, learning, and executive functioning. The possible mediating roles of speed and working memory in the MS-related effects on other cognitive functions were evaluated using structural equation modeling. Processing speed was not significantly related to group membership and could not have a mediating role. Working memory was related to group membership and functioned as a mediating/intervening factor. The results do not support the Relative Consequence Model in this sample and they challenge the notion that working memory impairment only emerges at later disease stages. The results do support a mediating/intervening role of working memory. These results were obtained for early relapsing-remitting MS patients and should not be generalized to the broader MS population. Instead, future research should examine the relations that exist at other disease stages. (JINS, 2013, 19, 1–12)

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