Neurocognitive Test Battery Research Articles

Yoga, aerobic and stretching exercise effects on neurocognition: Randomized controlled trial protocol

As the global population ages, the prevalence of cognitive decline and dementia is expected to rise, creating a significant health and economic burden. The purpose of this trial is to rigorously test, for the first time, the efficacy of yoga training as a physical activity intervention to mitigate age-related cognitive decline and impairment. We are conducting a 6-month randomized controlled trial (RCT) of exercise among 168 middle aged and older adults to compare the efficacy of yoga vs. aerobic exercise on cognitive function, brain structure and function, cardiorespiratory fitness, and circulating inflammatory and molecular markers. Using a single-blind, three arm RCT, 168 older adults ages 55-79 will be assigned to either: a Hatha yoga group, an aerobic exercise group or a stretching-toning active control group. Participants will engage in hour long group exercise 3x/week for 6-months. A comprehensive neurocognitive test battery, brain imaging, cardiovascular fitness test, and a blood draw will take place at baseline; end of the 6-month intervention, and at 12-month follow-up. Our primary outcomes of interest are brain regions, such as hippocampal volume and prefrontal cortex, and cognitive functions, such as episodic memory, working memory and executive functions, that are typically affected by aging and Alzheimer's disease. Not only will this RCT test whether yoga is a means to mitigate age-related cognitive decline, but it may also offer an alternative to aerobic exercise, which could be particularly appealing to older adults with compromised physical functioning.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04323163

Safety and efficacy of simple training protocol in patients after mild traumatic brain injury.

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) is the most common type of craniocerebral injury. Proper management appears to be a key factor in preventing post-concussion syndrome. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the effect and safety of selected training protocol in patients after mTBI. This was a prospective study that included 25 patients with mTBI and 25 matched healthy controls. Assessments were performed in two sessions and included a post-concussion symptoms questionnaire, battery of neurocognitive tests, and magnetic resonance with tractography. Participants were divided into two groups: a passive subgroup with no specific recommendations and an active subgroup with simple physical and cognitive training. The training program with slightly higher initial physical and cognitive loads was well tolerated and was harmless according to the noninferiority test. The tractography showed overall temporal posttraumatic changes in the brain. The predictive model was able to distinguish between patients and controls in the first (AUC=0.807) and second (AUC=0.652) sessions. In general, tractography had an overall predictive dominance of measures. The results from our study objectively point to the safety of our chosen training protocol, simultaneously with the signs of slight benefits in specific cognitive domains. The study also showed the capability of machine learning and predictive models in mTBI patient recognition.

Novel Energy Drink Improves Cognitive Function and Mood, without Influencing Myocardial Oxygen Demand or Ventricular Repolarization in Adult Gamers: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial

There are limited available data assessing the efficacy of acute energy drink consumption on cognition and gaming performance, nor on cardiovascular safety. Objectives To examine the efficacy of acute consumption of a novel energy drink (C4S) versus placebo for improving cognitive and gaming performance and mood. Secondarily, we examined the cardiovascular safety profile of acute C4S consumption. Methods Forty-five healthy, young adult video gamers completed two experimental visits in randomized order where they consumed either C4S or a placebo and then completed a validated battery of neurocognitive tests, played five video games, and completed a mood state survey. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation, and electrocardiogram measurements were taken at baseline and repeated throughout each visit. Results Acute consumption of C4S improved cognitive flexibility (absolute mean or median difference [95% CI] = +4.3 [2.2–6.4]; p < 0.001; d = 0.63), executive function (+4.3 [2.3–6.3]; p < 0.001; d = 0.63), sustained attention (+2.1 [0.6–3.6]; p = 0.01; d = 0.44), motor speed (+2.9 [0.8–4.9]; p < 0.001; d = 0.44), psychomotor speed (+3.9 [0.1–7.7]; p = 0.04; d = 0.32) working memory (+1.0 [0.1–1.9]; p = 0.02; d = 0.35), and performance in the two-dimensional visuospatial game Tetris (+463 [-419–2,065] pts; p = 0.049; d = 0.30) compared to placebo. C4S also improved Fatigue-Inertia (-1 [-3–0]; p = 0.004; d = 0.45), Vigor-Activity (+2.4 [1.3–3.6]; p < 0.001; d = 0.64), Friendliness (+0 [0–1]; p = 0.04; d = 0.32), and Total Mood Disturbance (-3 [-6–0]; p = 0.002; d = 0.44). BP increased slightly in C4S versus placebo, while HR decreased from baseline to post-drink in the C4S condition. Rate-pressure-product was higher in C4S versus placebo independent of time but did not increase from baseline. There was no effect on corrected QT interval. Conclusion Acute consumption of C4S was efficacious for cognitive performance, visuospatial gaming performance, and mood enhancement, and had no effect on myocardial oxygen demand or ventricular repolarization, despite being associated with increases in BP.

Retired night shift workers exhibit poorer neurocognitive function compared to retired day workers.

Shift work is associated with compromised cognitive function, and with chronic exposure, may place shift workers at elevated risk for dementia. However, evidence of cognitive impairment among former night shift workers is mixed, possibly due to inconsistencies regarding retirement status, work history classification, and cognitive assessments. To address these limitations, this study compared neurocognitive function between retired night shift workers and retired day workers using a well-characterized sample and a rigorous neurocognitive test battery. Participants (N = 61; mean age: 67.9 ± 4.7 years; 61% females; 13% non-white) were 31 retired day workers and 30 retired night shift workers equated on age, sex, race/ethnicity, premorbid IQ, years retired, and diary-assessed habitual sleep characteristics. Participants completed a neurocognitive battery assessing six cognitive domains (language, visuospatial ability, attention, immediate and delayed memory, executive function) and self-reported cognitive function. Linear regression models compared groups on individual cognitive domains, adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education level, and habitual sleep quality. Retired night shift workers scored lower than retired day workers on attention (B = -0.38, 95% CI [-0.75, -0.02], p = .040) and executive function (B = -0.55, 95% CI [-0.92, -0.17], p = .005). In post hoc analyses, attention and executive function were unrelated to diary-assessed habitual sleep characteristics (disruption, timing, and irregularity) in retired night shift workers. The observed cognitive weaknesses in retired night shift workers may suggest increased risk for future dementia. Retired night shift workers should be followed to determine whether observed weaknesses progress.

Ecological validity of cognitive fluctuations in dementia with Lewy bodies.

Cognitive fluctuations are a core clinical feature of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), but their contribution to the everyday functioning difficulties evident DLB are not well understood. The current study evaluated whether intraindividual variability across a battery of neurocognitive tests (intraindividual variability-dispersion) and daily cognitive fluctuations as measured by informant report are associated with worse daily functioning in DLB. The study sample included 97 participants with consensus-defined DLB from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC). Intraindividual variability-dispersion was measured using the coefficient of variation, which divides the standard deviation of an individual's performance scores across 12 normed neurocognitive indices from the NACC neuropsychological battery by that individual's performance mean. Informants reported on daily cognitive fluctuations using the Mayo Fluctuations Scale (MFS) and on daily functioning using the functional activities questionnaire (FAQ). Logistic regression identified a large univariate association of intraindividual variability-dispersion and presence of daily cognitive fluctuations on the MFS (Odds Ratio = 73.27, 95% Confidence Interval = 1.38, 3,895.05). Multiple linear regression demonstrated that higher intraindividual variability-dispersion and presence of daily cognitive fluctuations as assessed by the MFS were significantly and independently related to worse daily functioning (FAQ scores). Among those with DLB, informant-rated daily cognitive fluctuations and cognitive fluctuations measured in the clinic (as indexed by intraindividual variability-dispersion across a battery of tests) were independently associated with poorer everyday functioning. These data demonstrate ecological validity in measures of cognitive fluctuations in DLB.

Cognitive performance in healthy clinical trial participants and patients with the NeuroCart, a neurodegenerative disease measured with an automated neuropsychological and neurophysiological test battery

BackgroundThe prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases increases significantly with increasing age. Neurodegeneration is the progressive loss of function of neurons that eventually leads to cell death, which in turn leads to cognitive disfunction. Cognitive performance can therefore also be considered age dependent. The current study investigated if the NeuroCart can detect age related decline on drug-sensitive CNS-tests in healthy volunteers (HV), and whether there are interactions between the rates of decline and sex. This study also investigated if the NeuroCart was able to differentiate disease profiles of neurodegenerative diseases, compared to age-matched HV and if there is age related decline in patient groups. MethodsThis retrospective study encompassed 93 studies, performed at CHDR between 2005 and 2020 that included NeuroCart measurements, which resulted in data from 2729 subjects. Five NeuroCart tests were included in this analysis: smooth and saccadic eye movements, body sway, adaptive tracking, VVLT and N-back. Data from 84 healthy male and female volunteer studies, aged 16–90, were included. Nine studies were performed in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD) or vascular dementia (VaD). The data were analyzed with regression analyses on age by group, sex, sex by age, group by sex and group by sex by age. Least square means (LSMs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for each group at the average age of the group, and at the average age of each of the other groups, and per sex. ResultsMean age and standard deviation (SD) for all groups was: HV 36.2 years (19.3), 68.3 CE years (8), PD 62.7 years (8.5), HD 51.4 years (9.8) and VaD 66.9 years (8.1). Performance on all NeuroCart tests decreased significantly each year in HV. Saccadic peak velocity (SPV) was increased in AD compared to age-matched HV (+26.28 degrees/s, p = 0.007), while SPV was decreased for PD and HD compared to age-matched HV (PD: −15.87 degrees/s, p = 0.038, HD: −22.52 degrees/s, p = 0.018). In HD patients SPV decreased faster with age compared to HV. On saccadic peak velocity the slopes between HD vs HV were significantly different, indicating a faster decline in performance on this task for HD patients compared to HV per age year. Smooth pursuit showed an overall significant difference between subject groups (p = 0.037. Significantly worse performance was found for AD (−12.87%, p ≤0.001), PD (−4.45%, p ≤0.001) and VaD (−5.69%, p = 0.005) compared to age-matched HV. Body sway significantly increased with age (p = 0.021). Postural stability was decreased for both PD and HD compared to age-matched HV (PD: +38.8%, p ≤0.001, HD: 154.9%, p ≤0.001). The adaptive tracking was significantly decreased with age (p ≤0.001). Adaptive tracking performance by AD (−7.54%, p ≤0.001), PD (−8.09%, p ≤0.001), HD (−5.19%, p ≤0.001) and VaD (−5.80%, p ≤0.001) was decreased compared to age-matched HV. Adaptive tracking in PD patients vs HV and in PD vs HD patients was significantly different, indicating a faster decline on this task per age year for PD patients compared to HV and HD. The VVLT delayed word recall showed an overall significant effect of subject group (p = 0.006. Correct delayed word recall was decreased for AD (−5.83 words, p ≤0.001), HD (−3.40 words, p ≤0.001) and VaD (−5.51 words, p ≤0.001) compared to age-matched HV. ConclusionThis study showed that the NeuroCart can detect age-related decreases in performance in HV, which were not affected by sex. The NeuroCart was able to detect significant differences in performance between AD, PD, HD, VaD and age-matched HV. Disease durations were unknown, therefore this cross-sectional study was not able to show age-related decline after disease onset. This article shows the importance of investigating age-related decline on digitalized neurocognitive test batteries. Performance declines with age, which emphasizes the need to correct for age when including HV in clinical trials. Patients with different neurogenerative diseases have distinct performance patterns on the NeuroCart, which this should be considered when performing NeuroCart tasks in patients with AD, PD, HD and VaD.

Missed meal boluses and poorer glycemic control impact on neurocognitive function may be associated with white matter integrity in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

The notion that pediatric type 1 diabetes impacts brain function and structure early in life is of great concern. Neurological manifestations, including neurocognitive and behavioral symptoms, may be present from childhood, initially mild and undetectable in daily life. Despite intensive management and technological therapeutic interventions, most pediatric patients do not achieve glycemic control targets for HbA1c. One of the most common causes of such poor control and frequent transient hyperglycemic episodes may be lifestyle factors, including missed meal boluses. The aim of this study was to assess the association between specific neurocognitive accomplishments-learning and memory, inhibition ability learning, and verbal and semantic memory-during meals with and without bolusing, correlated to diffusion tensor imaging measurements of major related tracts, and glycemic control in adolescents with type 1 diabetes compared with their healthy siblings of similar age. This is a case-control study of 12- to 18-year-old patients with type 1 diabetes (N = 17, 8 male patients, diabetes duration of 6.53 ± 4.1 years) and their healthy siblings (N = 13). All were hospitalized for 30 h for continuous glucose monitoring and repeated neurocognitive tests as a function of a missed or appropriate pre-meal bolus. This situation was mimicked by controlled, patient blinded manipulation of lunch pre-meal bolus administration to enable capillary glucose level of <180 mg/dl and to >240 mg/d 2 hours after similar meals, at a similar time. The diabetes team randomly and blindly manipulated post-lunch glucose levels by subcutaneous injection of either rapid-acting insulin or 0.9% NaCl solution before lunch. A specific neurocognitive test battery was performed twice, after each manipulation, and its results were compared, along with additional neurocognitive tasks administered during hospitalization without insulin manipulation. Participants underwent brain imaging, including diffusion tensor imaging and tractography. A significant association was demonstrated between glycemic control and performance in the domains of executive functions, inhibition ability, learning and verbal memory, and semantic memory. Inhibition ability was specifically related to food management. Poorer glycemic control (>8.3%) was associated with a slower reaction time. These findings highlight the potential impairment of brain networks responsible for learning, memory, and controlled reactivity to food in adolescents with type 1 diabetes whose glycemic control is poor.

Neuropsychological Test Norms for the Assessment of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Impairment Among South African Adults

Reliable and valid neurocognitive (NC) test batteries that assess multiple domains of cognitive functioning are vital tools in the early detection of HIV-associated NC impairment. The HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center’s International Neurobehavioral Battery (HNRC Battery) is one such diagnostic tool and has shown cultural validity in several international neuroHIV studies. However, no published norms are currently available for the full HNRC Battery in South Africa. To accurately interpret NC test results, appropriate reference norms are required. In light of this challenge, data were collected from 500 healthy, HIV-uninfected participants to develop demographically corrected South African norms. When demographically corrected United States of America (U.S.) norms were applied to the performance scores of our neurologically intact, HIV-negative sample, an impairment rate of 62.2% was observed compared to a 15.0% impairment rate when the newly generated South African norms were applied. These results reiterate the findings of other low- and middle-income countries, highlighting the need for localized, country-specific norms when interpreting NC performance.

Neural correlates of the attention training technique as used in metacognitive therapy - A randomized sham-controlled fMRI study in healthy volunteers.

The Attention Training Technique (ATT) developed as part of metacognitive therapy is a psychotherapeutic treatment method used to enhance top-down attentional flexibility and control. This study investigated potential neurocognitive changes due to ATT and its underlying neural mechanisms using pre-to-post functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Fifty-four healthy participants were subjected to a randomized, sham-controlled attention training and evaluated using a neurocognitive test battery that partly took place in an fMRI environment. Participants received two doses ATT or sham ATT daily for 1 week. On day eight, all subjects completed the neurocognitive test battery again. After the training, the ATT group showed a significant improvement in reaction times regarding attentional disengagement compared to the sham ATT group. fMRI data showed decreased levels of activation in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) when comparing the ATT group to the sham ATT group during attentional disengagement post intervention. No ATT > sham ATT effects were found regarding selective auditory attention, working memory performance and inhibitory control. These findings putatively indicate that ATT facilitates faster attention allocation and increased attentional flexibility in healthy subjects. The fMRI results suggest this ATT-dependent improvement is accompanied by reduced ACC activity, indicating a more flexible attentional state.

Education reduces cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease by changing regional cerebral perfusion: An in-vivo arterial spin labeling study.

Formal education and other cognitive challenges influence brain structure and improve function. It is believed that cognitive activities create a cognitive reserve (CR) that can slow the decline due to aging and neurodegenerative diseases. This study investigated alterations of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) associated with high and low CR in different stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and examined whether rCBF alteration mediates the relationship between education and cognitive performance. Patients with AD or amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and healthy controls were divided into low cognitive reserve (LCR) and high cognitive reserve (HCR) subgroups according to median of education years (≤ 9 vs. > 9 years). The final study population included 89 AD patients (67 LCR, 22 HCR), 74 aMCI patients (44 LCR, 30 HCR), and 66 healthy controls (29 LCR, 37 HCR). All subjects were examined by arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging and a neurocognitive test battery. rCBF was compared among groups by two-way analysis of variance. Mediation analyses were used to explore the relationships among education, rCBF, and cognitive test scores. There were significant interaction effects of disease state (AD, aMCI, HC) and education level (LCR, HCR) on CBF in right hippocampus, posterior cingulate cortex, and right inferior parietal cortex (R_IPC). Education regulated episodic memory score by influencing right hippocampal CBF in HC_HCR and aMCI_HCR subgroups. Our results indicate that the protective effect of education against cognitive dysfunction in early-stage AD is mediated at least partially by altered CBF in right hippocampus.

Cognitive and neuroimaging outcomes in individuals with benign and low-grade brain tumours receiving radiotherapy: a protocol for a prospective cohort study

IntroductionRadiation-induced cognitive decline (RICD) occurs in 50%–90% of adult patients 6 months post-treatment. In patients with low-grade and benign tumours with long expected survival, this is of paramount importance. Despite...

Transcranial ultrasound stimulation modulates the interhemispheric balance of excitability in human motor cortex

Background. Low-intensity transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) could induce both immediate and long-lasting neuromodulatory effects in human brains. Interhemispheric imbalance at prefrontal or motor cortices generally associates with various cognitive decline in aging and mental disorders. However, whether TUS could modulate the interhemispheric balance of excitability in human brain remains unknown. Objective. This study aims to explore whether repetitive TUS (rTUS) intervention can modulate the interhemispheric balance of excitability between bilateral motor cortex (M1) in healthy subjects. Approach. Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) at bilateral M1 were measured at 15 min and 0 min before a 15 min active or sham rTUS intervention on left M1 and at 0 min, 15 min and 30 min after the intervention, and the Chinese version of brief neurocognitive test battery (C-BCT) was conducted before and after the intervention respectively. Cortical excitability was quantified by MEPs, and the long-lasting changes of MEP amplitude was used as an index of plasticity. Results. In the active rTUS group (n = 20), the ipsilateral MEP amplitude increased significantly compared with baselines and lasted for up to 30 min after intervention, while the contralateral MEP amplitude decreased lasting for 15 min, yielding increased laterality between bilateral MEPs. Furthermore, rTUS intervention induced changes in some C-BCT scores, and the changes of scores correlated with the changes of MEP amplitudes induced by rTUS intervention. The sham rTUS group (n = 20) showed no significant changes in MEPs and C-BCT scores. In addition, no participants reported any adverse effects during and after the rTUS intervention, and no obvious temperature increase appeared in skull or brain tissues in simulation. Significance. rTUS intervention modulated the plasticity of ipsilateral M1 and the interhemispheric balance of M1 excitability in human brain, and improved cognitive performance, suggesting a considerable potential of rTUS in clinical interventions.

The Role of Two Factors of Negative Symptoms and Cognition on Social Functioning in Male Patients with Schizophrenia: A Mediator Model

This study aims to compare the cognitive function and social functioning in male patients with deficit syndrome (DS) and non-DS, and to explore whether cognitive function serves as a mediator in the relationship between the two factors of negative symptoms (motivation and pleasure (MAP) and expressivity (EXP) deficits, and social functioning in schizophrenia patients. One hundred and fifty-six male patients with schizophrenia and 109 age- and education-matched normal controls were enrolled in the current study. The Chinese version of a Schedule for Deficit Syndrome (SDS) was used for DS and non-DS categorization. The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and the Brief Negative Symptoms Scale (BNSS) were used to assess psychotic and negative symptoms in patients. The Social-Adaptive Functioning Evaluation (SAFE) was adopted to evaluate patients' social functioning, and a battery of classical neurocognitive tests was used to assess cognition, including sustained vigilance/attention, cognitive flexibility, ideation fluency, and visuospatial memory. We found that male patients with DS performed worse in all four cognitive domains and social functioning compared to non-DS patients. Both total negative symptoms and its two factors were significantly associated with all four domains of cognition and social functioning in male patients. Interestingly, our results indicate that only cognitive flexibility mediates the relationship between negative symptoms and social functioning in schizophrenia patients, but there were no differences between EXP and MAP negative factors in this model. Our findings suggest that DS patients may represent a unique clinical subgroup of schizophrenia, and the integrated interventions targeting both negative symptoms and cognition, especially cognitive flexibility, may optimally improve functional outcomes in schizophrenia patients.

Comparison of theory of mind and neurocognition in siblings and offspring of female schizophrenia patients

This study aims to compare the Theory of Mind (ToM) functions in the siblings and offspring of female Schizophrenia patients in an evaluation of the association between neurocognitive functions and ToM. A battery of ToM tests (Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test, Hinting Test and Faux Pas Test) and neurocognitive tests (Digit Span Test, Corsi Block Test, Digit Symbol Substitution Test, Rey’s Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Trail Making Test, The Stroop Test, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test) were used to assess 31 offspring, 29 siblings of female schizophrenia patients and 28 healthy controls (HC). When the ToM functions of the offspring, siblings and HC groups in the present study are compared, no significant difference is identified between the offspring and sibling groups in Hinting, Faux Pas and Eyes tests, while Hinting test performance of the sibling group was significantly lower than those of the HCs. Neurocognitive functions are more affected both in offspring and siblings than HC. Although it was determined that ToM deficits of the patients’ relatives were not as prominent as their neurocognitive functions, ToM is an endophenotype candidate in schizophrenia.

A Latent Variable Analysis of Psychomotor and Neurocognitive Performance After Acute Cannabis Smoking.

This paper evaluated a novel, tablet-based neurocognitive and psychomotor test battery for detecting impairment from acute cannabis smoking using advanced quantitative methods. The study was conducted in a state with legal, recreational cannabis use and included participants who use cannabis occasionally or daily, and a no use comparison group. Participants completed a tablet-based test assessing reaction time, decision making, working memory and spatial-motor performance. The test was completed before and after participants smoked cannabis (or after a rest period in the case of controls). An Exploratory Factor Analysis approach was implemented to reduce dimensionality and evaluate correlations across the four assessed domains. Linear regression models were utilized to quantify associations between factor scores and cannabis use groups (daily vs. occasional vs. no use). Seven factors were identified explaining 56.7% of the variance among the 18 measures. Regression models of the change in factors after cannabis smoking indicated those who use cannabis daily demonstrated poorer performance on a latent factor termed Displaced and Delayed (standardized coefficient 0.567, 95% CI: 0.178, 0.955; P = 0.005) compared to those with no use. Those who use cannabis occasionally exhibited a decline in performance on a latent factor termed Recall and Reaction (standardized coefficient 0.714, 95% CI: 0.092, 1.336; P = 0.025) compared to no use. This analysis demonstrates an innovative, quantitative approach to study how cannabis consumption affects neurocognitive and psychomotor performance. Results demonstrated that acute cannabis use is associated with changes in neurocognitive and psychomotor performance, with differences based on the pattern of occasional or daily use.

Childhood trauma and neurocognitive functions in individuals with bipolar disorder and unaffected siblings of individuals with bipolar disorder

Previous studies have suggested a possible connection between childhood trauma, the course of illness, and neurocognitive impairment in individuals with bipolar disorder (BD). This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between childhood trauma and neurocognitive functioning in a sample consisting of 41 euthymic individuals with BD, 37 individuals who have at least one sibling with BD, and 48 healthy controls (HCs). We assessed childhood trauma history using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Both the BD and Sibling groups showed higher rates of emotional abuse, neglect, and higher total trauma scores compared to the HCs. A principal component analysis of the neurocognitive test battery revealed a global cognition factor responsible for 49.40% of the variance and five subsequent neurocognitive components: working memory & response inhibition, verbal memory, visual copying, verbal fluency, and processing speed. Individuals with BD had lower scores in verbal memory, visual copying, processing speed, and global cognitive factor domains than the Siblings and HCs. The Siblings' performance was similar to that of the HC group. Correlation analyses showed significant correlations between physical neglect, sexual abuse, and neurocognitive domains like processing speed, verbal fluency, working memory, and the global cognitive factor. However, the linear regression analyses didn’t reveal a significant influence of childhood trauma on neurocognitive domains. Our findings indicate that both individuals with BD and their unaffected siblings have a high occurrence of childhood trauma, but presence of bipolar disorder itself appears to influence neurocognitive functioning independently of childhood traumatic experiences or familial predisposition to bipolar disorder.

Evaluating construct and criterion validity of NeuroScreen in assessing neurocognition among hospitalized Ugandan first-episode psychosis patients

IntroductionNeurocognitive impairment (NCI) is commonly exhibited among patients experiencing their first episode of psychosis. However, there are few resources in many low-income countries, such as Uganda, that allow for the administration of extensive neurocognitive test batteries for the detection of NCI. NeuroScreen is a brief tablet-based neurocognitive assessment battery that can be administered by all levels of healthcare staff. We examined the validity of NeuroScreen to assess neurocognition and detect NCI in first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients in Uganda. MethodsWe enrolled 112 participants FEP patients and matched controls at Butabika Mental Referral Hospital. Each participant completed NeuroScreen and a traditionally administered neurocognitive battery: the MATRIC Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). We examined correlations between participant performance on NeuroScreen and the MCCB. A ROC curve determined sensitivity and specificity of NeuroScreen to detect NCI as determined by MCCB criterion. ResultsThere was a large, statistically significant correlation between overall performance on NeuroScreen and the MCCB [r(112) = 0.64, p < .001]. Small to large correlations were found between tests in the MCCB and NeuroScreen batteries. The ROC curve of NeuroScreen performance to detect MCCB-defined NCI had an area under curve of 0.80 and optimal sensitivity and specificity of 83 % and 60 %, respectively. ConclusionThere was a moderate positive correlation between overall performance on both batteries. NeuroScreen shows promise as a valid assessment battery to assess neurocognition and detect NCI in FEP patients in Uganda. Further studies of NeuroScreen in healthy individuals and in a range of mental disorders are recommended.

The effect of daily peanut consumption on cognitive function and indicators of mental health among healthy young women

Background: Peanuts and tree nuts contain many bioactive compounds that may provide health benefits. There is some evidence to suggest that regular consumption of peanuts and peanut butter may improve cognitive function and mood, however, there are no prior studies examining whether daily intake of dry roasted, skinless peanuts improves cognition. Objective:The objective of this study was to determine the effect of consuming 49 g/day of peanuts for 12 weeks on cognitive function and mental health, compared to consuming a peanut-free diet, among healthy young women. Methods:This was a pre-post test study of 65 women (n = 32 in peanut group, n = 29 in control group). Participants in the peanut group consumed an individually portioned pack of peanuts each day for 12 weeks. Cognitive function was assessed using the CNS Vital Signs computerized neurocognitive test battery. Mental health was assessed using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-42). Differences in endpoints between groups were assessed using ANCOVA tests. Results:There was a significant difference between the two groups in reaction time (6.9 points; p = 0.029), with the control group having a greater increase in scores. There was a significant within-group effect of peanuts on processing speed, with the peanut group increasing scores by 6.3 points (95% CI: 2.7, 9.8). There was no effect of peanut consumption on depression, anxiety, or stress scores. Conclusion:Further research is needed to fully understand the effect of different types of peanut products on cognition. Keywords: cognition, mental health, peanuts, nuts

Brain MRI and Neuropsychological Findings at Long-Term Follow-Up After COVID-19 Hospitalisation: An Observational Cohort Study

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To report findings on brain MRI and neurocognitive function, as well as persisting fatigue at long-term follow-up after COVID-19 hospitalisation in patients identified as high risk for affection of the central nervous system. <h3>Design</h3> Ambidirectional observational cohort study. <h3>Setting</h3> All patients (n=734) previously hospitalized with a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in a total regional population in Sweden during the period March 1st to May 31st 2020. <h3>Participants</h3> A subgroup (n=185) with persisting symptoms still interfering with daily life at a telephone follow-up 4 months after discharge were invited for a medical and neuropsychological evaluation. Thirty-five of those who were assessed with a neurocognitive test battery at the clinical visit, and presented a clinical picture concerning for COVID-19-related brain pathology, were further investigated by brain MRI. <h3>Interventions</h3> N/A. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Findings on brain MRI, neurocognitive test results and reported fatigue. <h3>Results</h3> Twenty-five patients (71%) had abnormalities on MRI; multiple white matter lesions were the most common finding. Six patients had had MRI performed in the acute phase during their hospitalisation, and all of these patients had additional white matter lesions at the follow-up MRI. Sixteen patients (46%) demonstrated impaired neurocognitive function, of which 10 (29%) had severe impairment. Twenty-six patients (74%) reported clinically significant fatigue. Patients with abnormalities on MRI had a lower Visuospatial Index (p=0.031) compared with the group with normal MRI findings. <h3>Conclusions</h3> A majority in this group of patients selected to undergo MRI after a clinical evaluation, showed signs of possible COVID-19 related brain affection detectable by brain MRI and/or neurocognitive test results. Even in a previously fairly healthy group of patients, COVID-19 might have a substantial negative impact on cognition in several domains, persisting several months post discharge. Abnormal findings were not restricted to patients with severe disease. Thus, for clinicians it is important to consider post-covid related changes when facing patients' reports of neuropsychological deficiency, regardless of severity of disease. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> The authors declare no competing interests.

Sleep, self‐reported ocular health, and cognition in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) and SOL‐Investigation of Neurocognitive Aging (SOL‐INCA)

Abstract/ProposalBackgroundVisually impaired individuals may experience increased frequency of sleep/wake disorders, fragmented sleep, insomnia, and short sleep duration. Visual impairment and sleep disorders can have downstream effects on cognitive functioning.MethodSample included n = 590 (unweighted) HCHS/SOL Miami Field Center participants ages 45‐74 at baseline who returned for cognitive examination on average 7‐years later (SOL‐INCA). Participants completed validated ocular (National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire; NEI‐VFQ), validated sleep questionnaires for sleepiness, insomnia, sleep duration and objective measures of sleep apnea visit‐1 (2008‐2011). They also completed a battery of neurocognitive tests for verbal episodic learning and memory (Brief Spanish English Verbal Learning Test), verbal fluency (Controlled Oral Word Association), processing speed and executive function (Digit Symbol Substitution) at visit‐1 and at SOL‐INCA. Two additional measures of processing speed/executive functioning were added at SOL‐INCA(Trails‐A, ‐B). We examined global cognitive performance and change using a regression‐based reliable change index, adjusting for the time lapse between visit 1 and SOL‐INCA (all measured in z‐score units). We used regression models to test whether (1) participants with sleep disorders have an increased risk for visual impairment, (2a) ocular health is associated with worse baseline and average 7‐years cognitive function and/or cognitive decline, and (2b) sleep attenuates any of these associations.ResultSleepiness (β = 0.04; p&lt;0.01) and insomnia (β = 0.03; p&lt;0.001) were linked to worse ocular health, and the associations were robust to adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics, acculturation, behavioral risk measures, and health conditions. Worse ocular health was linked to lower global cognitive function at baseline (β = ‐0.14; p&lt;0.001) and on average 7‐years later (β = ‐0.16; p&lt;0.01). The associations were consistent across all considered cognitive domains and robust to demographic adjustments. Ocular health was also associated with a change in verbal fluency (β = ‐0.17; p&lt;0.05), but no change was observed in other cognitive domains. Sleep disorders did not attenuate any of the reported associations.ConclusionSelf‐reported ocular health was independently associated with worse language, memory, and executive function and predicted 7‐year cognitive decline in the language domain.