California Verbal Learning Test Research Articles

Predicting clinical progression and cognitive decline in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a 6-year follow-up study.

Cognitive impairment occurs from the earliest stages of multiple sclerosis (MS) and progresses over time. The introduction of disease modifying therapies (DMTs) has changed the prognosis for MS patients, offering a potential opportunity for improvement in the cognitive arena as well. 41 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) were recruited to the study. Thirty patients were available for final follow-up and were included in the analysis. Baseline (BL) brain MRI including volumetry and neuropsychological tests were performed. Blood samples were collected at BL and follow-up (FU) and were tested for: vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM1), soluble platelet-endothelial CAM-1 (sPECAM1), and soluble intercellular CAM-1 (sICAM-1). Patients were invited for a final neuropsychological follow-up after a median of 6 years. Disease activity (relapses, EDSS increase, new/active brain lesions on MRI) was analysed between BL and FU. The study group deteriorated in the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) test (p = 0.001), but improved significantly in three other tests, i.e. semantic fluency test (p = 0.013), California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT, p = 0.016), and Word Comprehension Test (WCT, p < 0.001). EDSS increase correlated negatively with semantic fluency and WCT scores (r = -0.579, p = 0.001 and r = -0.391, p = 0.033, respectively). Improvements in semantic fluency test and WCT correlated positively with baseline deep grey matter, grey matter, and cortical volumes (p < 0.05, r > 0). Higher EDSS on FU correlated significantly negatively with baseline left and right pallidum, right caudate, right putamen, right accumbens, and cortical volume (p < 0.05, r < 0). No significant relationship was found between the number of relapses and EDSS on FU or neuropsychological deteriorations. Improvements in WCT and CVLT correlated positively with baseline sPECAM1 and sVCAM1 results, respectively (r > 0, p < 0.05). Deterioration in ROCF test correlated significantly with higher levels of baseline VEGF and sVCAM1 (p < 0.05). Brain volume is an important predictor of future EDSS and cognitive functions outcome. MS patients have a potential for improving in neuropsychological tests over time. It remains to be established whether this is related to successful disease modification with immunotherapy. Baseline volumetric measures are stronger predictors of cognitive performance than relapse activity, which yet again highlights the importance of atrophy in MS prognosis.

Human restricted CHRFAM7A gene increases brain efficiency.

CHRFAM7A, a uniquely human fusion gene, has been associated with neuropsychiatric disorders including Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, anxiety, and attention deficit disorder. Understanding the physiological function of CHRFAM7A in the human brain is the first step to uncovering its role in disease. CHRFAM7A was identified as a potent modulator of intracellular calcium and an upstream regulator of Rac1 leading to actin cytoskeleton reorganization and a switch from filopodia to lamellipodia implicating a more efficient neuronal structure. We performed a neurocognitive-MRI correlation exploratory study on 46 normal human subjects to explore the effect of CHRFAM7A on human brain. Dual locus specific genotyping of CHRFAM7A was performed on genomic DNA to determine copy number (TaqMan assay) and orientation (capillary sequencing) of the CHRFAM7A alleles. As only the direct allele is expressed at the protein level and affects α7 nAChR function, direct allele carriers and non-carriers are compared for neuropsychological and MRI measures. Subjects underwent neuropsychological testing to measure motor (Timed 25-foot walk test, 9-hole peg test), cognitive processing speed (Symbol Digit Modalities Test), Learning and memory (California Verbal Learning Test immediate and delayed recall, Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised immediate and delayed recall) and Beck Depression Inventory-Fast Screen, Fatigue Severity Scale. All subjects underwent MRI scanning on the same 3 T GE scanner using the same protocol. Global and tissue-specific volumes were determined using validated cross-sectional algorithms including FSL's Structural Image Evaluation, using Normalization, of Atrophy (SIENAX) and FSL's Integrated Registration and Segmentation Tool (FIRST) on lesion-inpainted images. The cognitive tests were age and years of education-adjusted using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Age-adjusted analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was performed on the MRI data. CHRFAM7A direct allele carrier and non-carrier groups included 33 and 13 individuals, respectively. Demographic variables (age and years of education) were comparable. CHRFAM7A direct allele carriers demonstrated an upward shift in cognitive performance including cognitive processing speed, learning and memory, reaching statistical significance in visual immediate recall (FDR corrected p = 0.018). The shift in cognitive performance was associated with smaller whole brain volume (uncorrected p = 0.046) and lower connectivity by resting state functional MRI in the visual network (FDR corrected p = 0.027) accentuating the cognitive findings. These data suggest that direct allele carriers harbor a more efficient brain consistent with the cellular biology of actin cytoskeleton and synaptic gain of function. Further larger human studies of cognitive measures correlated with MRI and functional imaging are needed to decipher the impact of CHRFAM7A on brain function.

Assessment of memory deficits in psychiatric disorders: A systematic literature review.

Memory deficits are observed across psychiatric disorders ranging from the prodrome of psychosis to common mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, and dissociative disorders. Memory deficits among patients recovering from psychiatric disorders could be directly related to the primary illness or secondary to the adverse effect of a treatment such as Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). The trouble in the meaningful integration of working-memory and episodic memory is the most commonly affected domain that requires routine assessments. An update on the recent trends of methods of assessment of memory deficits is the first step towards understanding and correcting these deficits to target optimum recovery. A systematic literature search was conducted from October 2018 to October 2022 to review the recent methods of assessment of memory deficits in psychiatric disorders. The definition of 'Memory deficit' was operationalized as 'selective processes of memory, commonly required for activities of daily living, and affected among psychiatric disorders resulting in subjective distress and dysfunction'. We included 110 studies, most of them being conducted in western countries on patients with schizophrenia. Other disorders included dementia and mild cognitive impairment. Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia, Cambridge Automated Neuropsychological Test Battery, California Verbal Learning Test, Trail Making Test Part A and B, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Wechsler Memory Scale, Wechsler Adults Intelligence Scale-IV were the most common neuropsychological assessments used. Mini-Mental State Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment were the most common bedside assessment tools used while Squire Subjective Memory Questionnaire was commonly used to measure ECT-related memory deficits. The review highlights the recent developments in the field of assessment of memory deficits in psychiatric disorders. Findings recommend and emphasize routine assessment of memory deficits among psychiatric disorders in developing countries especially severe mental illnesses. It remains interesting to see the role of standardized assessments in diagnostic systems given more than a decade of research on memory deficits in psychiatric disorders.

Treatment of Refractory Bipolar Depression With Stereotactic Radiosurgery Targeting the Subgenual Cingulate Cortex.

Background The subgenual cingulate cortex (SGC) has been identified as a key structure within multiple neural circuits whose dysfunction is implicated in the neurobiology of depression. Deep brain stimulation in the SGC is thought to reduce and normalize local metabolism, causing normalization of circuit behavior and an improvement in depressive symptoms. We hypothesized that nonablative stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) to the SGC would reduce local metabolism and reduce the severity of depression in patients with treatment-resistant bipolar depression. Methods Under the FDA's Humanitarian Device Exemption program, patients were screened for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Three volunteers meeting the criteria provided informed consent. Bilateral SGC targets were irradiated to a maximum dose of 75 Gy in one fraction. Subjects were followed for one year following the procedure with mood assessments (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Clinical Global Impression-Improvement, Clinical Global Impression-Severity, and Young Mania Rating Scale), neurocognitive testing (Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale III digit span, and California Verbal Learning Test II), and imaging. Further imaging was completed approximately two years after the procedure. Clinical improvement was defined as a ≥50% reduction in HDRS. Results Two of the three subjects showed clinical improvement in depressive symptoms during the follow-up period, while one subject showed no change in symptom severity. One of three subjects was hospitalized for the emergence of an episode of psychotic mania after discontinuing antipsychotic medications against medical advice but promptly recovered with the reinstitution of an antipsychotic. Sequential assessments did not reveal impairment in any cognitive domain assessed. For one of the three subjects, MRI imaging showed evidence of edema at 12 months post-SRS, which resolved at 22 months post-procedure. In a second of three patients, there was evidence of local edema at the target site at long-term follow-up. All imaging changes were asymptomatic. Conclusion Radiosurgical targeting of the SGC may be a noninvasive strategy for the reduction of severe depression in treatment-resistant bipolar disorder. Two out of three patients showed clinical improvement. While these results are promising, further study, including improvements in target selection and dosing considerations, is needed.

The impact of egg consumption on cognitive function: a systematic literature review

Eggs provide several nutrients that have been linked to neurological function. Phospholipids, which comprise 30% of lipids in egg yolk, modulate neurotransmitter receptors and have been shown to lower reaction time in healthy adults(1). Eggs are also high in choline (340mg per egg), a building block for acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory, learning and attention(2). Finally, eggs contain the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (25mg per egg), which has roles in neurological function including neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity and myelination(3). The impact of whole egg consumption on cognition has not been widely explored. This systematic review aimed to consolidate studies that investigated frequency of egg consumption or egg-supplemented diets on cognitive function. This review followed PRISMA guidelines and involved a search of five databases (Ovid Medline, Embase, CINAHL Plus, SCOPUS, and PsychInfo) from inception until April 2023. Included studies examined the link between whole chicken egg consumption and brain function, including cognitive decline, memory, risk-taking, reaction-time, decision-making, and executive function, in healthy adults (aged&gt;16 y). All studies underwent risk of bias assessment. Twelve studies were included in the review. Four were prospective cohort studies, 4 were retrospective, 3 cross-sectional and 1 was a randomised controlled trial (RCT). Participant numbers, with the exception of the RCT, ranged between 178-9028 and were aged between 42-97 years. Duration of prospective studies varied from 2-5 years. Egg intake was measured via food frequency questionnaires (n = 8), 24-hr diet recalls (n = 2), a 4-day food record (n = 1) and a 7-day food record (n = 1). The RCT provided 2 DHA-fortified eggs/day compared to 2 whole eggs/day for 8 weeks. The primary outcome across 9 studies was cognitive decline, followed by memory (n = 7), reaction-time (n = 2), attention (n = 2), and executive function (n = 1). For outcome measures, studies used 9 different validated task-oriented tools (including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment n = 3, and California Verbal Learning Test n = 2), or 4 self-completed questionnaires. Several studies found no significant associations between egg consumption and cognitive decline (n = 4) or memory (n = 2). Conversely, 5 studies reported significant inverse associations between egg consumption and rates of cognitive decline. The RCT found that reaction-times were faster on both whole eggs and DHA-eggs after 8 weeks (p&gt;0.05 between groups). Although conflicting results were found, more studies showed a greater frequency of habitual egg consumption to be associated with reduced cognitive decline. However, the variety of outcome measures across studies make direct comparisons challenging, preventing definitive conclusions about the impact of eggs on cognitive health. This review highlights the need for future RCTs.

Culture, prefrontal volume, and memory.

Prior cross-cultural studies have demonstrated differences among Eastern and Western cultures in memory and cognition along with variation in neuroanatomy and functional engagement. We further probed cultural neuroanatomical variability in terms of its relationship with memory performance. Specifically, we investigated how memory performance related to gray matter volume in several prefrontal lobe structures, including across cultures. For 58 American and 57 Taiwanese young adults, memory performance was measured with the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) using performance on learning trial 1, on which Americans had higher scores than the Taiwanese, and the long delayed free recall task, on which groups performed similarly. MRI data were reconstructed using FreeSurfer. Across both cultures, we observed that larger volumes of the bilateral rostral anterior cingulate were associated with lower scores on both CVLT tasks. In terms of effects of culture, the relationship between learning trial 1 scores and gray matter volumes in the right superior frontal gyrus had a trend for a positive relationship in Taiwanese but not in Americans. In addition to the a priori analysis of select frontal volumes, an exploratory whole-brain analysis compared volumes-without considering CVLT performance-across the two cultural groups in order to assess convergence with prior research. Several cultural differences were found, such that Americans had larger volumes in the bilateral superior frontal and lateral occipital cortex, whereas Taiwanese had larger volumes in the bilateral rostral middle frontal and inferior temporal cortex, and the right precuneus.

Backwards walking speed reserve in persons with multiple sclerosis

BackgroundDecreased gait speed is common in persons with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) and has been associated with elevated fall risk. The walking speed reserve (WSR) indicates the ability to increase gait speed on demand and has previously been examined in PwMS. Backward walking is a sensitive measure of fall risk in PwMS; however, no studies have reported on the utility of backward walking speed reserve (BW-WSR) as a clinical assessment tool of functional mobility or fall risk in PwMS, nor have they associated this measure with cognition. Methods23 PwMS completed walking trials at their preferred walking speed (PWS) and maximal walking speed (MWS). Participants performed these walking trials in both the forward (FW) and backward direction (BW). The forward walking speed reserve (FW-WSR) was calculated as the difference between MWS and PWS in the forward direction, while the backward walking speed reserve (BW-WSR) was calculated as the difference between MWS and PWS in the back backward direction. Correlation analyses examined the relationship between the FW- and BW-WSR with clinical assessments of functional mobility (the timed up-and-go) as well as cognitive functioning (the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised, the California Verbal Learning Test, and the Trail Making Test A and B). Correlations also examined the relationship between FW- and BW-WSR with prospective falls. ResultsA lower BW-WSR was associated with disease severity and poorer performance on clinical walking and balance assessment, as well as with decreased information processing speed and attentional performance. Interestingly, FW-WSR showed similar relations. Neither FW- or BW-WSR were associated with prospective risk in this small sample of PwMS. ConclusionThe BW-WSR did not offer a distinct advantage over other measures, such as the FW-WSR, PWS, or MWS, in the forward or backward direction. The selection of the most sensitive clinical measures of functional mobility and fall risk is crucial; our study holds valuable clinical implications for PwMS by providing novel insights into functional mobility assessments in PwMS.

Predicting alcohol relapse post-detoxification: The role of cognitive impairments in alcohol use disorder patients.

Studies on early abstinence suggest that cognitive function is significantly reduced in the first year of abstinence, which raises the question of whether it is relevant to early relapse in patients with substance use disorders. This study investigates the extent to which impairments in executive function and memory predict alcohol relapse in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Understanding these relationships is crucial for improving therapeutic approaches to prevent relapse in patients with AUD. We selected 116 adult patients (79 male and 37 female) diagnosed with AUD based on DSM-5 criteria, all of whom were undergoing alcohol detoxification treatment. A comprehensive array of neuropsychological tests was administered to assess global cognition, memory, and executive functions. Patients' alcohol use was monitored monthly during a 6-month follow-up period. Logistic regression and Cox regression were used to explore the relationship between cognitive function and the likelihood of alcohol relapse. Impairments in global cognition, semantic and phonemic fluency, cognitive flexibility, and learning ability during detoxification were significant predictors of relapse in AUD patients, showing similar predictive values at both 3 and 6 months post-treatment. An abnormal Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score increased the risk of relapse by 123% (HR: 2.227), and impairments in both semantic and phonemic fluency each increased the risk by 142% (HR: 2.423). Additionally, abnormal performance on the MoCA, Trail Making Test Part B (TMT-B), and California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) was associated with a higher number of drinking days at 3 months (IRR: 3.764; IRR: 2.237; IRR: 2.738, respectively) and abnormal MoCA and TMT-B scores at 6 months (IRR: 2.451; IRR: 1.859, respectively). The MoCA test is a valuable tool for predicting relapse risk in AUD patients undergoing detoxification treatment, with similar predictive value for relapse at 3 or 6 months. Learning ability needs to be assessed and their impairments considered in the treatment of AUD patients.Future research should explore strategies for managing patients with impairments in memory and learning ability to enhance treatment effectiveness and prevent relapse.

Functional connectivity changes of the hippocampal subregions in anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis.

The hippocampus plays an important role in the pathophysiological mechanism of Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis. Nevertheless, the connection between the resting-state activity of the hippocampal subregions and neuropsychiatric disorders in patients remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the changes in functional connectivity (FC) in the hippocampal subregions of patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis and its association with clinical symptoms and cognitive performance. Twenty-three patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis and 23 healthy controls (HC) were recruited. All participants underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scans and completed clinical cognitive scales. Based on the Brainnetome Atlas, the rostral (anterior) and caudal (posterior) hippocampi of both the left and right hemispheres were selected as regions of interest (ROIs) for FC analysis. First, a one-sample t-test was used to observe the whole-brain connectivity distribution of hippocampal subregions within the patient and HC groups at a threshold of p < 0.05. The two-sample t-test was used to compare the differences in hippocampal ROIs connectivity between groups, followed by a partial correlation analysis between the FC values of brain regions with statistical differences and clinical variables. This study observed that the distribution of whole-brain functional connectivity in the rostral and caudal hippocampi aligned with the connectivity differences between the anterior and posterior hippocampi. Compared to the HC group, the patients showed significantly decreased FC between the bilateral rostral hippocampus and the left inferior orbitofrontal gyrus and between the right rostral hippocampus and the right cerebellum. However, a significant increase in FC was observed between the right rostral hippocampus and left superior temporal gyrus, the left caudal hippocampus and right superior frontal gyrus, and the right caudal hippocampus and left gyrus rectus. Partial correlation analysis showed that FC between the left inferior orbitofrontal gyrus and the right rostral hippocampus was significantly negatively correlated with the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) and Brief Visuospatial Memory Test (BVMT) scores. The FC between the right rostral hippocampus and the left superior temporal gyrus was negatively correlated with BVMT scores. FC abnormalities in the hippocampal subregions of patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis were associated with cognitive impairment, emotional changes, and seizures. These results may help explain the pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical manifestations of anti-NMDAR encephalitis and NMDAR dysfunction-related diseases such as schizophrenia.

Cognitive, psychological, and physiological effects of a web-based mindfulness intervention in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: an open study

BackgroundThe development of effective strategies to maintain good mental health of older adults is a public health priority. Mindfulness-based interventions have the potential to improve psychological well-being and cognitive functions of older adults, but little is known about the effect of such interventions when delivered through internet. During the COVID-19 pandemic we evaluated short- and long-term cognitive, psychological, and physiological effects of a mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) delivered via web-based videoconference in healthy older adults.MethodsFifty older adults participated in an 8-week MBI, which comprised structured 2-h weekly group sessions. A comprehensive evaluation encompassing cognitive (verbal memory, attention and processing speed, executive functions) and psychological assessments (depression and anxiety symptoms, mindfulness, worries, emotion regulation strategies, well-being, interoceptive awareness and sleep) was conducted. Additionally, electroencephalography (EEG) data were recorded before and after the MBI and at the 6-month follow-up (T6). Data were analyzed using an intention-to-treat approach, using linear mixed models adjusted for age. The effect size for time was computed as omega squared.ResultsWe observed significant improvements from pre-MBI to post-MBI and at the T6 across several measures. These improvements were notable in the areas of verbal memory (California Verbal Learning Test, p ≤ .007), attention and executive functions (Trail Making Test A and BA, p < .050), interoceptive awareness (Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness, p = .0002 for self-regulation and p < .05 for noticing, body listening, and trusting dimensions), and rumination (Heidelberg Form for Emotion Regulation Strategies, p = .018). These changes were associated with low to medium effect size. Moreover, we observed significant changes in EEG patterns, with a decrease in alpha1 (p = .004) and an increase in alpha2 (p < .0001) from pre-MBI to T6. Notably, improvements in TMTBA and rumination were correlated with the decrease in alpha1 (p < .050), while improvements in TMTA were linked to the increase in alpha2 (p = .025).ConclusionsThe results of our study show that a web-based MBI in older adults leads to improvements in cognitive and psychological measures, with associated modulations in specific brain rhythms. While these findings are promising, further controlled studies are required to validate these preliminary results.Trial registrationThe trial has been registered with the United States National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health Registry of Clinical Trials under the code NCT05941143 on July 12, 2023.

Normative data for the Spanish versions of the CVLT, WMS-Logical Memory, and RBMT from a sample of middle-aged and old participants.

Episodic memory (EM), one of the most commonly assessed cognitive domains in aging, is useful for identifying pathological processes such as mild cognitive impairment and dementia. However, EM tests must be culturally adapted, and the influence of sociodemographic variables analyzed, to provide cut-off points that enable correct diagnosis. The aim of this article is to report updated Spanish normative data for three EM tests: the California Verbal Learning Test, the Logical Memory subtest of the Wechsler Memory Test, and the Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test. Measures include immediate, short-, and long-delay free recall, intrusions, and global scores. The entire sample is comprised of 1,193 cognitively unimpaired participants aged +50, recruited from three cohort studies within the Spanish Consortium for Ageing Normative Data. Participants who subsequently developed cognitive impairment, detected at follow-up, were removed from the total sample. Data analysis included transformation of percentile ranges into scalar scores, tests for the effects of education level, age, and sex on performance, and linear regression to calculate scalar adjustments. Tables with percentile ranges and scalar scores for each measure are provided, with adjustments for age, education level, and sex, as required. The normative scores provide robust data for assessing EM in Spanish middle-aged and old populations. Effects of sex, age, and education level in each measure are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Measuring episodic verbal learning ability in alcohol-related cognitive disorders in relation to everyday functioning

Adequate and timely assessment of learning abilities in individuals with alcohol-related cognitive disorders is highly relevant to optimize addiction care. Learning curves of episodic verbal memory tests have been used to assess learning ability in various neurocognitive disorders, but studies in alcohol-related cognitive disorders are lacking. Therefore, this study investigated California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT) learning curves in individuals with alcohol-use disorder (AUD) with and without cognitive impairments and examined associations between learning curves and changes in everyday functioning following a multicomponent care program. We fitted learning curves over the five immediate recall trials of the Dutch version of the CVLT of patients with Korsakoff's syndrome (KS; N = 117), alcohol-related cognitive impairment no KS (ARCI; N = 147), and uncomplicated AUD (N = 43) using a generalized non-linear mixed regression. This model was based on three different parameters: initial memory performance (attention), maximum number of correctly recalled words (maximum learning), and the increase of correctly recalled words over the trials (learning rate). Next, we related these learning curves with ratings of everyday activities using the Patient Competency Rating Scale (PCRS) before and after a care program following admission. Modelled learning curves differed across groups, with significant differences in Attention (KS<ARCI<AUD, p < 0.001), Maximum Learning (KS<ARCI<AUD, p<0.001), and Learning Rate (KS<ARCI=AUD, p < 0.001). However, modelled learning curves were not related to reliable improvement in PCRS scores (p>0.05). Although modelled learning curves may be used to differentiate diagnostic groups in alcohol-related cognitive disorders, future studies are needed to establish the criterion validity of learning curves in this population.

White matter microstructure alterations in type 2 diabetes mellitus and its correlation with cerebral small vessel disease and cognitive performance

Microstructural abnormalities of white matter fiber tracts are considered as one of the etiology of diabetes-induced neurological disorders. We explored the cerebral white matter microstructure alteration accurately, and to analyze its correlation between cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) burden and cognitive performance in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The clinical-laboratory data, cognitive scores [including mini-mental state examination (MMSE), Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), California verbal learning test (CVLT), and symbol digit modalities test (SDMT)], CSVD burden scores of the T2DM group (n = 34) and healthy control (HC) group (n = 21) were collected prospectively. Automatic fiber quantification (AFQ) was applied to generate bundle profiles along primary white matter fiber tracts. Diffusion tensor images (DTI) metrics and 100 nodes of white matter fiber tracts between groups were compared. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between DTI metrics and cognitive scores and CSVD burden scores. For fiber-wise and node-wise, DTI metrics in some commissural and association fibers were increased in T2DM. Some white matter fiber tracts DTI metrics were independent predictors of cognitive scores and CSVD burden scores. White matter fiber tracts damage in patients with T2DM may be characterized in specific location, especially commissural and association fibers. Aberrational specific white matter fiber tracts are associated with visuospatial function and CSVD burden.

Multitrial free recall for evaluating memory.

Much of our knowledge concerning the neural basis of human memory derives from lab-based verbal recall tasks. Outside of the lab, clinicians use validated and normed neuropsychological tests to assess patients' memory function and to evaluate clinical interventions. Here we sought to establish the clinical validity of examining memory through multitrial free recall of semantically organized and unrelated word lists. We compare memory performance in multitrial free recall tasks with the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test and the California Verbal Learning Test, two common neuropsychological tests aimed at evaluating memory function in clinical settings. We compare predictive validity between the tasks by evaluating deficits in a patient sample and examining age-related declines in memory. We additionally compare test-retest reliability, establish convergent validity, and show the emergence of common recall dynamics between the tasks. We demonstrate that both laboratory free recall tasks have better predictive validity and test-retest reliability than the established neuropsychological tests. We further show that all tasks have good convergent validity and reveal core memory processes, including temporal and semantic organization. However, we also demonstrate the benefits of repeated trials for evaluating the dynamics of memory search and their neuropsychological sequelae. These results provide evidence for the clinical validity of lab-based multitrial free recall tasks and highlight their psychometric benefits over neuropsychological measures. Based on these results, we discuss the need to bridge the gap between clinical understanding of putative mechanisms underlying memory disorders and neuroscientific findings obtained using lab-based free recall tasks. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Impact of Age on Cognitive Testing Practice Effects and Cardiorespiratory Responses.

Objective: This study tested the hypothesis that healthy aging attenuates cognitive practice effects and, consequently, limits the familiarity-associated reductions in heart rate (HR) and breathing frequency (BF) responses during retesting. Methods: Twenty-one cognitively normal older and younger adults (65 ± 2 vs. 26 ± 1 years old) participated in the study. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Digit-Span-Test (DST), Trail Making Test (TMT-B), and California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT-II) were administered twice at 3-week intervals, while HR and BF were monitored by electrocardiography and plethysmography, respectively. Results: Cognitive performances were not affected by the age factor, and the retest factor only affected CVLT-II. HR and BF increased only in the younger adults (p < .01) during cognitive tests; retesting attenuated these responses (retest factor p < .01). Long-delay free-recall in CVLT-II was unchanged in cognitively normal older versus younger adults. Healthy aging did not diminish short-term memory assessed by DST and CVLT-II short-delay or long-delay free-recalls. Conclusions: Only CVLT-II, but not MMSE, DST or TMT-B, demonstrated cognitive retesting practice effects in the younger and older adults. Cognitive testing at 3-week intervals in cognitively normal older and younger subjects revealed divergent cardiorespiratory responses to MMSE, DST, and TMT-B cognitive testing, particularly HR, which increased only in younger adults and to a lesser extent during retesting despite the absence of practice effects.

Kalifornijski test uczenia się językowego wśród polskich bezdomnych

IntroductionReports on the low intellectual level of the homeless are quite numerous and independent of the geographical location of the study.AimThe aim is to assess cognitive functions among the homeless as measured by the California verbal learning test (CVLT).Material and methodsIn our study we included 102 homeless people to assess the functioning of verbal memory using the CVLT. The absolute value of the sum of the results in tasks 1–5 amounted only to 36.21 (SD 10.63). Almost 42% of the subjects obtained a sten score of 1 or 2 for this task.Results and discussionIn all tested CVLT parameters the homeless people, who were the respondents of the present study, obtained results that were significantly below standards (low or very low).ConclusionsThese results indicate the presence of large numbers of people with severe verbal memory disorders among the homeless.

BIOLOGICAL AGE AND COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE AMONG LATE MID-LIFE WOMEN

Abstract Older biologic age, indicated by accelerated epigenetic aging, may place women at risk for poorer cognitive performance as they age. However, findings are inconsistent and based upon limited neuropsychological batteries. Studies of midlife women are few, yet women comprise two thirds of those with Alzheimer’s disease, and midlife is a critical transition and potential window for early intervention. We tested whether greater epigenetic age would be associated with poorer cognitive performance among late midlife women. 224 MsBrain study participants (average age=59 years, 82% White, 14% Black, 4% other ethnicities) underwent phlebotomy, including epigenetic aging clock estimates (GrimAge, DunedinPACE, PCPhenoAGE), and a neuropsychological battery assessing global cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), verbal learning and memory (California Verbal Learning Test), working memory and attention (Letter Number Sequencing), letter fluency (P, R, W); semantic fluency (animal task), spatial ability (Card Rotations), processing speed (Symbol Digit Modalities Test), and perceptual speed (Finding A’s). In linear regression models controlling for age, race, and education, older PCPhenoAge was associated with poorer global cognitive performance [B(SE)=-.07(.03), p=.01], verbal memory [B(SE)=-.09(.03), p=.006], working memory [B(SE)=-.12(.03), p=.0001], attention [B(SE)=-.10(.04), p=.02], spatial ability [B(SE)=-.77(.34), p=.02], processing speed [B(SE)=-.24(.09), p=.007], and somewhat lower letter fluency [B(SE)=-.23(.13), p=.07]. GrimAge and DunedinPACE showed similar yet less consistent patterns. Interactions by race (p’s&amp;lt;.05) indicate that associations between older biologic age and poorer cognitive performance (verbal learning, verbal memory, processing speed) was particularly pronounced among Black women in the sample. Older biologic age is associated with poorer cognitive performance across multiple domains among late midlife women, particularly for Black women. Biologic age may serve as an early indicator of risk that could help identify women warranting early intervention to help maintain cognitive function. Supported by NIH RF1AG053504, R01AG053504, K24HL123565

24 hour rest‐activity rhythms and cognition in community dwelling older adults

AbstractBackgroundCognitive decline associated with aging is a growing public health concern as individuals are living longer with chronic medical conditions. Rest activity rhythm (RAR) describes the pattern of physical activity and sleep period in 24 hours. Compared with younger people, older adults are more likely to maintain a sedentary lifestyle with altered RAR. Although there is no doubt that physical activity plays a vital role in health outcomes, little is known about how RAR is linked to cognitive functioning in late life. This study investigated the association between RAR and cognitive performance among older adults.MethodSixty community dwelling older adults aged 70±7.3 years (mean ± standard deviation) wore Phillips actigraphy spectrum plus 2 for two weeks. RAR parameters were analyzed using cosinor approach, such as amplitude (difference between the peak and lowest activity levels), mesor (mean activity level), pseudo‐F‐statistic (the robustness of RAR), and acrophase (peak activity time). A comprehensive neuropsychological battery was used to assess cognition (i.e., Brief Visuospatial Memory Test – Revised (BVMT‐R), California Verbal Learning Test – II, Boston Naming Test, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale‐IV Coding, and Trail Making Test A and B). Multiple linear regression models were built to explore associations between different RAR measures and each cognitive task adjusting for age, gender, and years of education.ResultWe found positive associations between RAR amplitude (p = 0.01), mesor (p = 0.008), acrophase (p = 0.006), pseudo F‐statistic (p = 0.002) and visual memory (BVMT‐R). Similarly, positive associations were found between amplitude (p = 0.006), mesor (p = 0.005), acrophase (p = 0.005), pseudo F‐statistic (p = 0.002) and psychomotor processing speed (Coding). Greater pseudo‐F statistics were associated with stronger performance on naming (BNT); p = 0.03). No association was found between RAR and other cognitive tasks.ConclusionsOur findings provide evidence that some RAR characteristics are associated with cognitive performance among older adults, particularly visual memory, psychomotor processing speed, and naming ability. Further research should be undertaken using a large and diverse sample, prospective design, and inclusion of potentially confounding variables to confirm those associations.

Memory Performance in Mild Sporadic and Familial Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia: Findings from the ALLFTD Consortium

AbstractBackgroundMemory impairment is generally considered minimal to absent in those with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). We sought to assess the frequencies of subjective and objective memory impairment in individuals with mild bvFTD according to consensus criteria.MethodAssessments were performed in mildly symptomatic bvFTD [defined by global FTLD Clinical Dementia Rating scale (CDR®+NACC FTLD) = 1] mutation carriers (Familial) and non‐mutation carriers (Sporadic) who are participants in the ARTFL LEFFTDS Longitudinal Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (ALLFTD, www.allftd.org) study. Mutation carriers had a pathogenic mutation in the MAPT, GRN or C9orf72 gene. The presence of subjective memory impairment was defined by a rating &gt;0 on the memory domain of the CDR®+NACC FTLD. Evidence of objective memory impairment was based on performance across 7 memory measures, which include the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set Version 3 – Craft Story Immediate Recall (CSImm) and Delayed Recall (CSDel), Benson Figure Delayed Recall (BenDel), and the California Verbal Learning Test – Learning (CVLearn), Immediate Recall (CVImm), Delayed Recall (CVDel), and Recognition (CVRecog). Performance was considered abnormal for z‐scores ≤ ‐1.5.ResultData from 38 Familial (mean age 60±8 years, 61% male), and 109 Sporadic (mean age 63±7 years, 70% male) participants were analyzed. Memory ratings &gt;0 on the CDR®+NACC FTLD were common for both Familial (84%) and Sporadic (88%). The frequencies of abnormal performance in the Familial vs Sporadic groups, respectively, per memory measure were: CSImm 43.8% vs 45.9%, p = 0.83; CSDel 46.9% vs 52.6%, p = 0.58; BenDel 29.4% vs 46.4%, p = 0.08; CVLearn 54.8% vs 39.8, p = 0.14; CVImm 64.5% vs 50%, p = 0.16, CVDel 80.6% vs 55.1%, p = 0.01, and CVRecog 51.6 vs 49%, p = 0.80. The frequencies of abnormal performance did not differ (all p&gt;0.05) between Familial and Sporadic for ≥2 tests (79.3% vs 67.7%), ≥4 tests (55.2% vs 44.1%) and ≥6 tests (34.5% vs 31.2%).ConclusionThese data suggest that among those with a mild global severity of bvFTD features: 1) subjective and objective memory impairment are relatively frequent, and 2) the frequency of impairment across memory measures is largely similar between familial and sporadic bvFTD. The presence of memory impairment should not preclude a diagnosis of bvFTD.

Associations between Verbal Memory Performance and Regional Brain Volumes Differ by APOE4 Carrier Status in Midlife Women

AbstractBackgroundAPOE4 genotype is a stronger risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in women than men, and its influence on memory and AD biomarkers differs by disease stage. Among cognitively normal older APOE4 carriers, APOE4 status influences memory similarly in males and females but adversely influences hippocampal volume in males. The effect of APOE4 status on regional brain volumes earlier in life, and in relation to memory, are less well understood. We examined whether associations between verbal memory performance and regional brain volumes differed by APOE4 status in cognitively normal midlife women. We hypothesized that APOE4 carriers would show weaker associations between memory performance and brain volumes than non‐carriers, particularly in the temporal lobe.MethodParticipants were enrolled in MsBrain, a cohort study of midlife women. Verbal memory was assessed with the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT‐II). Cortical thickness was measured and segmented by FreeSurfer using individual T1w MPRAGE images. Multiple regressions were conducted to determine associations between memory (learning, free recall) and regional brain volumes by APOE4 status (carriers versus non‐carriers), controlling for age, education, and race.ResultIn 148 cognitively normal postmenopausal women (mean age = 59.17 years, 84.4% white, n = 37 APOE4 carriers), APOE4 status had no main effect on CVLT‐II measures or brain volumes, except the volume of the left supramarginal gyrus. However, APOE4 status modified the magnitude of association between verbal memory and brain volumes, specifically the association between: a) verbal learning and volume in the left caudal middle frontal gyrus (CMFG), left isthmus cingulate gyrus, left parahippocampal gyrus, left insula, right precuneus, right lateral orbitofrontal gyrus (LOG), and right temporal pole (TP); and b) free recall and volume in the left CMFG, right LOG, right posterior cingulate gyrus, and right TP. The direction of the associations between verbal memory and brain volumes was positive in non‐carriers and negative in carriers.ConclusionIn cognitively normal midlife women, APOE4 carrier status may influence the extent to which the hippocampal, temporal, and frontal lobe structures support verbal memory performance. This subtle effect may emerge before the main effect of this genetic risk factor on brain volume and memory.