Examining an Alternative Scoring Procedure for a Clinical Working Memory Measure

The Digit Span test is a widely used working memory measure. However, when using standardized scoring procedures, previous studies have demonstrated inconsistent relationships between Digit Span subtests and working memory measures frequently used in cognitive psychology experiments. Partial scoring involves awarding credit for all digits recalled in the correct serial location, whereas traditional scoring involves only awarding credit for a trial if all digits are recalled in the correct serial location. The current study compared the traditional all-or-nothing scoring method and the partial scoring method on Digit Span with other working memory measures and with measures of general fluid intelligence. The results showed that when differences were found, partial scoring was associated with stronger relationships with Digit Span Backwards but weaker relationships with Digit Span Forward and Sequencing compared with traditional scoring. These results support previous findings identifying differences between the Digit Span subtests and the utility of examining traditional scoring procedures.

Dual task interference in children from 8 to 12 years old (Interferencia de las dobles tareas en niños de 8 a 12 años)

The main aim of this manuscript was to analyze the effect of dual task and their difficulty on the motor and cognitive performance using a postural control and a memory tasks in middle childhood group ages children, establishing the differences between the effect of the tasks in the different age groups. The study sample was composed by one hundred and sixteen children, between 8 and 12 years old. The participants completed three single tasks and two dual-tasks. The postural single task (EO) consisted in maintain the balance in the bipedal stance position and two cognitive single tasks performed were the Backward Digit Span Test with 3-Digits sequences length and the Backward Digit Span Test 5-Digits sequences length. The dual-tasks were the combination of the postural task and the cognitive tasks. Regarding the postural control measurement, CoP signals were acquired with a Wii Balance Board. The analysis performed showed that the younger groups (8-9 years old) had worse punctuations in postural control variables in dual-task conditions than the older age groups (11-12 years old), especially than the 12 years old group. Regarding the effect of dual task in postural control, in all groups between 9 to 12 years old, higher postural control and stability were observed during the execution of the 5D dual-task than during the 3D task. Finally, no differences were found in the number of correct answers in the cognitive task when performing a single or dual-task, in any age group. Resumen. El objetivo principal de este manuscrito fue analizar el efecto de la doble tarea y su dificultad sobre el rendimiento motor y cognitivo mediante una tarea de control postural y otra de memoria en niños, estableciendo las diferencias entre el efecto de las tareas en los distintos grupos de edad. La muestra del estudio estuvo compuesta por ciento dieciséis niños, de entre 8 y 12 años de edad. Los participantes completaron tres tareas simples y dos tareas dobles. La tarea individual postural (EO) consistió en mantener el equilibrio en posición de bipedestación y las dos tareas individuales cognitivas realizadas fueron el Backward Digit Span Test con secuencias de 3 dígitos y el Backward Digit Span Test con secuencias de 5 dígitos. Las dobles tareas fueron la combinación de la tarea postural y las tareas cognitivas. En cuanto a la medición del control postural, las señales del CoP se adquirieron mediante una Wii Balance Board. El análisis realizado mostró que los grupos más jóvenes (8-9 años) obtuvieron peores puntuaciones en las variables de control postural en condiciones de doble tarea que los grupos de mayor edad (11-12 años), especialmente que el grupo de 12 años. En cuanto al efecto de la doble tarea sobre el control postural, en todos los grupos de 9 a 12 años se observó un mayor control postural y estabilidad durante la ejecución de la doble tarea 5D que durante la tarea 3D. Por último, no se encontraron diferencias en el número de respuestas correctas en la tarea cognitiva al realizar una tarea simple o dual, en ningún grupo de edad.

Effects of masticatory exercise on cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults

BACKGROUND: Mastication improves cognitive function by activating cerebral cortical activity, and it is important to demonstrate the cognitive effects of masticatory training using a variety of different interventions. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of masticatory exercise on cognitive function in healthy older adults living in the community. METHODS: For six weeks, twelve participants performed a masticatory exercise using a NOSICK exerciser device, and thirteen subjects performed daily life without masticatory exercises. Trail Making Test, Digit Span Test, and Stroop test were used to measure the cognitive function. RESULTS: The participants in the experimental group showed significant improvements in TMT-A/B (p= 0.001 and 0.004), DST-forward (p= 0.001), and ST-word (p= 0.001). The effect sizes after the intervention were calculated as (1.2 and 0.8) for TMT-A/B, (0.8 and 0.2) for Digit Span Test forward/backward, and (0.6 and 0.2) for Stroop test color/word. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that the masticatory exercises improve cognitive function in healthy older adults. Therefore, masticatory exercises can be used as a therapeutic exercise during cognitive rehabilitation.

Assessing the capacity for mental manipulation in patients with statically-determined mild cognitive impairment using digital technology

Aims: Prior research employing a standard backward digit span test has been successful in operationally defining neurocognitive constructs associated with the Fuster’s model of executive attention. The current research sought to test if similar behavior could be obtained using a cross-modal mental manipulation test. Methods: Memory clinic patients were studied. Using Jak-Bondi criteria, 24 patients were classified with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 33 memory clinic patients did not meet criteria for MCI (i.e. non-MCI). All patients were assessed with the digital version of the WRAML-2 Symbolic Working Memory Test-Part 1, a cross-modal mental manipulation task where patients hear digits, but respond by touching digits from lowest to highest on an answer key. Only 4 and 5-span trials were analyzed. Using an iPad, all test stimuli were played; and, all responses were obtained with a touch key. Only correct trials were analyzed. Average time to complete trials and latency for each digit was recorded. Results: Groups did not differ when average time to complete 4-span trials was calculated. MCI patients displayed slower latency, or required more time to re-order the 1st and 3rd digits. Regression analyses, primarily involving initial and latter response latencies, were associated with better, but different underlying neuropsychological abilities. Almost no 5-span analyses were significant. Conclusions: This cross-modal test paradigm found no difference for total average time. MCI patients generated slower 1st and 3rd response latency, suggesting differences in time allocation to achieve correct serial order recall. Moreover, different neuropsychological abilities were associated with different time-based test components. These data extend prior findings using a standard backward digit span test. Differences in time epochs are consistent with constructs underlying the model of executive attention and help explain mental manipulation deficits in MCI. These latency measures could constitute neurocognitive biomarkers that track emergent disease.

Neurocognitive Impairment After Propofol With Relevance for Neurosurgical Patients and Awake Craniotomies—A Prospective Observational Study

Background: Short-acting anesthetics are used for rapid recovery, especially for neurological testing during awake craniotomy. Extent and duration of neurocognitive impairment are ambiguous.Methods: Prospective evaluation of patients undergoing craniotomy for tumor resection during general anesthesia with propofol (N of craniotomies = 35). Lexical word fluency, digit span and trail making were tested preoperatively and up to 24 h after extubation. Results were stratified for age, tumor localization and hemisphere of surgery. Results in digit span test were compared to 21 patients during awake craniotomies.Results: Word fluency was reduced to 30, 33, 47, and 87% of preoperative values 10, 30, 60 min and 24 h after extubation, respectively. Digit span was decreased to 41, 47, 55, and 86%. Performances were still significantly impaired 24 h after extubation, especially in elderly. Results of digit span test were not worse in patients with left hemisphere surgery. Significance of difference to baseline remained, when patients with left or frontal lesions, i.e., brain areas essential for these tests, were excluded from analysis. Time for trail making was increased by 87% at 1 h after extubation, and recovered within 24 h. In 21 patients undergoing awake craniotomies without pharmacological sedation, digit span was unaffected during intraoperative testing.Conclusion: Selected aspects of higher cognitive functions are compromised for up to 24 h after propofol anesthesia for craniotomy. Propofol and the direct effects of surgical resection on brain networks may be two major factors contributing (possibly jointly) to the observed deficits. Neurocognitive testing was unimpaired in patients undergoing awake craniotomies without sedation.

GAMBARAN KEMAMPUAN KONSENTRASI MAHASISWA PROGRAM STUDI KEDOKTERAN FAKULTAS KEDOKTERAN UNIVERSITAS MALIKUSSALEH

Mahasiswa Kedokteran memiliki jadwal kegiatan yang cukup padat dan tugas yang banyak sehingga untuk menyelesaikannya dibutuhkan organisasi waktu dan pekerjaan yang baik. Tak jarang tugas-tugas tersebut dikerjakan bersamaan dengan pekerjaan lainnya. Menyelesaikan banyak pekerjaan dalam satu waktu cenderung menyebabkan lebih banyak distraktor yang diolah oleh otak. Untuk mempertahankan performa seseorang dalam melakukan pekerjaan tersebut dibutuhkan konsentrasi yang baik sehingga distraksi yang banyak dapat diminimalkan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui gambaran tingkat konsentrasi yang dimiliki oleh mahasiswa Program Studi Kedokteran Universitas Malikussaleh. Penelitian yang dilaksanakan di Program Studi Kedokteran Fakultas Kedokteran Universitas Malikussaleh ini merupakan penelitian deskriptif dengan menggunakan pendekatan cross sectional. Sampel yang memenuhi kriteria inklusi dan eksklusi sebanyak 38 orang diperoleh dengan metode convenience sampling. Identifikasi kemampuan konsentrasi mahasiswa ini dilakukan menggunakan metode Digit Span Test Forward & Backward, selanjutnya data yang diperoleh dianalisis secara univariat. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan rerata nilai untuk digit span forward yang didapatkan adalah 6,95 ± 1,39 dengan skor median 7; dan untuk digit span backward, rerata 5,37±1,57 dengan skor median 5. Distribusi frekuensi tingkat konsentrasi sebagian besar responden di atas skor 7 untuk digit span forward (68,42%) dan di atas skor 5 untuk digit span backward (71,05%). Hasil ini menunjukkan gambaran kemampuan konsentrasi yang dimiliki oleh mahasiswa Program Studi Kedokteran Universitas Malikussaleh memiliki nilai yang cukup baik (berada di atas atau sama dengan nilai median)

Free-Weight Resistance Exercise Is More Effective in Enhancing Inhibitory Control than Machine-Based Training: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

Resistance exercise has been demonstrated to improve brain function. However, the optimal workout characteristics are a matter of debate. This randomized, controlled trial aimed to elucidate differences between free-weight (REfree) and machine-based (REmach) training with regard to their ability to acutely enhance cognitive performance (CP). A total of n = 46 healthy individuals (27 ± 4 years, 26 men) performed a 45-min bout of REfree (military press, barbell squat, bench press) or REmach (shoulder press, leg press, chest press). Pre- and post-intervention, CP was examined using the Stroop test, Trail Making Test and Digit Span test. Mann–Whitney U tests did not reveal between-group differences for performance in the Digit Span test, Trail Making test and the color and word conditions of the Stroop test (p > 0.05). However, REfree was superior to REmach in the Stroop color-word condition (+6.3%, p = 0.02, R = 0.35). Additionally, REfree elicited pre-post changes in all parameters except for the Digit Span test and the word condition of the Stroop test while REmach only improved cognitive performance in part A of the Trail Making test. Using free weights seems to be the more effective RE method to acutely improve cognitive function (i.e., inhibitory control). The mechanisms of this finding merit further investigation.

Birth cohort differences in cognitive performance in 75- and 80-year-olds: a comparison of two cohorts over 28 years

Objective To evaluate cohort differences in cognitive performance in older men and women born and assessed 28 years apart. Methods Data in this study were drawn from two age-homogeneous cohorts measured in the same laboratory using the same standardized cognitive performance tests. Participants in the first cohort were born in 1910 and 1914 and assessed in 1989–1990 (Evergreen project, n = 500). Participants in the second cohort were born in 1938 or 1939 and 1942 or 1943 and assessed in 2017–2018 (Evergreen II, n = 726). Participants in both cohorts were assessed at age 75 and 80 years and were recruited from the population register. Cognitive performance was measured using the Digit Span test from the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS), Digit Symbol test from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) and phonemic Verbal Fluency test from the Schaie-Thurstone Adult Mental Abilities Test. Reaction time assessing motor and mental responses was measured with a simple finger movement task, followed by a complex finger movement task. T-tests were used to study cohort differences and linear regression models to study possible factors underlying differences. Results We found statistically significant cohort differences in all the cognitive performance tests, except for the digit span test and simple movement task in men, the later-born cohort performing better in all the measured outcomes. Conclusions The results of this study provide strong evidence that cognitive performance is better in more recent cohorts of older people compared to their counterparts measured 28 years earlier.

Изменение объема кратковременной памяти под влиянием стрессогенного воздействия у курсантов

Введение. Исследуется влияние стрессогенного воздействия умеренной интенсивности на кратковременную память, что востребовано практикой подготовки специалистов экстремального профиля (спасателей) к профессиональной деятельности. Объектом исследования является изменение объема кратковременной памяти под воздействием стрессогенных факторов. Определено существование значимых различий между показателями памяти курсантов и студентов специальностей, не связанных с деятельностью в экстремальных условиях. Новизна заключается в проведенном экспериментальном исследовании влияния стрессогенного воздействия на объем кратковременной памяти с учётом фактора профессиональной направленности испытуемых. Методы. В исследовании приняли участие 90 человек: 50 курсантов силового ведомства и 40 студентов московских вузов. Испытуемые были разделены на четыре группы, из которых одна экспериментальная и три контрольные. Двум группам были предъявлены фото- и аудиоматериалы стрессогенного содержания; двум другим группам – материалы нейтрального содержания. Объем кратковременной памяти испытуемых до и после предъявления материалов определялся при помощи методики Digit Span Test. На протяжении всего эксперимента замерялись физиологические параметры испытуемых. Результаты. У курсантов силового ведомства объем памяти в стрессогенных условиях значимо увеличивается, в то время как объем памяти студентов показывает незначимое снижение. Также в стрессогенных условиях студенты и курсанты демонстрируют разный физиологический ответ: студенты имеют более высокое исходное мышечное напряжение, в то время как показатели сердечно-сосудистой системы курсантов (амплитуда систолической волны, время распространения пульсовой волны) меняются быстрее, при этом не так выраженно, как у студентов. Обсуждение результатов. Показатели объема памяти и его устойчивость к стрессогенным воздействиям курсантов связаны с уровнем невербального интеллекта, а также могут быть опосредованы профессионально-важными качествами и мотивационными особенностями. В качестве важного фактора устойчивости когнитивных функций рассматривается система отбора и психологического сопровождения курсантов силового ведомства.

Stres berhubungan dengan atensi pada siswa sekolah menegah atas

LATAR BELAKANGAtensi merupakan komponen kecil dalam tahap memori saat seseorang melakukan proses berpikir. Bila terdapat gangguan pada atensi, maka seseorang akan sulit untuk menerima atau mempelajari hal yang baru. Atensi dipengaruhi oleh berbagai situasi, salah satunya adalah stres. Stres merupakan masalah umum yang terjadi dalam kehidupan manusia dan menjadi bagian hidup yang tidak dapat dielakkan. Siswa sekolahpun dapat mengalami stres yang dapat berpengaruh terhadap atensi dan mempengaruhi tingkat prestasi. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui adanya hubungan stres dengan atensi pada siswa sekolah menengah atas. METODEPenelitian ini merupakan studi observasional dengan desain cross sectional yang mengikusertakan 173 siswa sekolah menengah atas. Responden diperoleh dengan teknik cluster sampling. Stres diukur dengan menggunakan perceive stress scale dan atensi diukur dengan menggunakan digit span test. Analisis data menggunakan uji Chi-square untuk mengetahui hubungan antara stres dengan atensi. HASILDidapatkan jumlah responden sebanyak 173 orang dengan 26% siswa dengan tingkat atensi yang buruk dan 28.3% yang mengalami stres. Dari hasil analisis bivariat terdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara stres dengan atensi pada siswa sekolah menengah atas (p=0.000). KESIMPULANTerdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara stres dengan atensi pada siswa sekolah menengah atas.