Cognitive Attention Functions Research Articles

Neuropsychological Stimulation Program for Children from Low Socioeconomic Backgrounds: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Guatemala remains one of the poorest countries in Central America and suffers from high rates of social inequality and violence. In addition to the negative impact that two years without attending school has had on Guatemalan children due to the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, this unfavourable socioeconomic context poses a risk to children's emotional and cognitive development. This work presents a protocol for implementing a cognitive and emotional stimulation program aimed at increasing the academic performance of these children and consequently improving their quality of life. The protocol proposes the implementation of a randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of a 24-session-long stimulation program. It targets the cognitive functions of attention, language, executive functions, and social cognition, using the digital neurorehabilitation platform NeuronUP. The participants (n = 480) will be randomly assigned to an Experimental or Control group. Pre- and post-intervention assessments will be carried out, together with a follow-up in the next academic year, in which both groups will change roles. Results will be compared for the first and second years, looking for differences in academic and cognitive performance between groups. Mid- and long-term outcomes are still unknown, but effective interventions based on this protocol are expected to facilitate the following benefits for participants: (1) improved cognitive and emotional development; (2) improved academic performance; (3) improved well-being. We expect to create a validated neuropsychological stimulation program that could be applied in similar socioeconomically disadvantaged contexts around the world to help these children improve their life chances.

Social network intervention enhances attention and memory functions in elderly women: a neuropsychological study

The cognitive functions of elderly people who interact online were assessed. Interventional research of a descriptive-analytical nature was conducted. A sample of 41 elderly women was evaluated both before and after the intervention. The data analysis was carried out using the Friedman test, with a significance level set at p ≤ 0.05. The empirical material was examined through content analysis. A significant improvement in cognitive functions of attention and memory in the groups that underwent the intervention was observed. It is concluded that cognitive training on social networks can promote healthy aging by improving certain cognitive functions in the elderly.

Prediction of operators cognitive degradation and impairment using hybrid fuzzy modelling

Prediction of cognitive dysfunctions in operators of human–machine systems is a complex process. The cognitive functions of attention and memory are negatively impacted in machine operation workers. Obtaining an accurate prediction of cognitive dysfunctions provides added value to better design machines and improve operator health. This research demonstrates a prediction model utilising hybrid fuzzy decision rules. The models use health indicators that measure energy imbalance of biologically active points, levels of psycho-emotional stress, fatigue and functional reserve (FR). We assess properties of attention as concentration, volume, selectivity, switchability, distribution and stability in operators of information-rich human–machine systems. Expert confidence in the obtained mathematical models exceeds the value of 0.85. The prediction quality was tested on representative control samples for the most vulnerable property of concentration of attention (CA) for this profession, and it was shown that such indicators of decision-making quality as diagnostic sensitivity, diagnostic specificity, diagnostic efficiency, predictive significance of positive and negative results exceed 0.85. The developed model proved useful for various applications in modern psychology, and psychophysiology assessment.

Investıgatıon of The Effect of Serum Homocysteıne Level on Cognıtıve Functıons in Multıple Sclerosıs Patıents

Objective: In this study, we aimed to investigate whether serum homocysteine level was higher in patients with MS, and evaluate the effect of this situation on cognitive functions. In addition, we aimed to determine whether high blood homocysteine level is associated with socio-demographic and clinical features and determine the affected cognitive functions with neuropsychological tests.Methods: We looked at changes in the levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid associated with high levels of serum homocysteine levels. Cognitive performance, and laboratory values of 60 cases with Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) patient, and 30 healthy volunteers were compared. The frontal lobe activities, information processing speed, flexibility, and the ability of the calculation, as well as cognitive functions of attention and visuospatial perception and construction of complex skills were also evaluated. For these purposes, Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), Line Orientation Test (LOT) and Stroop Test were used.Results: Test performance for all of the test steps were found to be defective in MS group more than the control group subjects. In addition, all steps of the test performance were found to be impaired in both patients and healthy subjects with high levels of homocysteine(p<0.001).Conclusion: In this study visual memory processes, visual-spatial functions, construction skills, planning, programming and executive functions were found to be significantly deteriorated and the reaction time prolonged in RRMS patients with high levels of homocysteine compared with healthy control group

Mid-term improvement of cognitive performance after total hip arthroplasty in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip : a prospective cohort study.

AimsThe aim of this study was to determine whether total hip arthroplasty (THA) for chronic hip pain due to unilateral primary osteoarthritis (OA) has a beneficial effect on cognitive performance.MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted with 101 patients with end-stage hip OA scheduled for THA (mean age 67.4 years (SD 9.5), 51.5% female (n = 52)). Patients were assessed at baseline as well as after three and months. Primary outcome was cognitive performance measured by d2 Test of Attention at six months, Trail Making Test (TMT), FAS-test, Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test (RBMT; story recall subtest), and Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCF). The improvement of cognitive performance was analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance.ResultsAt six months, there was significant improvement in attention, working speed and concentration (d2-test; p < 0.001), visual construction and visual memory (ROCF; p < 0.001), semantic memory (FAS-test; p = 0.009), verbal episodic memory (RBMT; immediate recall p = 0.023, delayed recall p = 0.026), as well as pain (p < 0.001) with small to large effect sizes. Attention, concentration, and visual as well as verbal episodic memory improved significantly with medium effect sizes over η2 partial = 0.06. In these cognitive domains the within-group difference exceeded the minimum clinically important difference.ConclusionTHA is associated with clinically relevant postoperative improvement in the cognitive functions of attention, concentration, and memory. These data support the concept of a broad interaction of arthroplasty with central nervous system function.Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(3):331–340.

Types of Consciousness: The Diversity Problem.

Consciousness research has a cognitive-diversity problem. Any view that holds that attention is either necessary for consciousness or that attention precedes conscious awareness confronts the difficulty that the theoretical categorization of attention is as diverse as the categorization of intelligent cognition, but consciousness is typically referred to as a single and unified capacity. On the one hand, we have a multiplicity of kinds of attention. On the other hand, we use a monolithic “phenomenal” notion of consciousness to define the dependency of consciousness on all these diverse kinds of attention. Since attention is defined in terms of a diverse variety of functions, a lot more needs to be said with respect to the claim that attention is either necessary for consciousness or that attentional processing precedes conscious awareness. Is this dependency based on the diverse cognitive functions of attention? If so, why conceive of consciousness as a single informationally unified cognitive capacity? What does the multiplicity of kinds of attention entail for consciousness research? This is the “diversity problem.” This article argues that consciousness should be also considered as a diverse set of capacities, based on the diversity of attention. While we have the intuition that consciousness is a unified perspective, the article shows that consistency demands this diverse approach. Since research on attention distinguishes a wide range of functions and levels of cognitive processing, the dependency of consciousness on attention entails diverse conscious capacities and diverse types of awareness beyond the distinctions between being awake, dreaming, and being minimally conscious.

Design guidelines and usability for cognitive stimulation through technology in Mexican older adults

ABSTRACT To develop software to stimulate cognitive functions of attention, memory, reasoning, planning, language, and perception in Mexican older adults, and to evaluate the usability of software based on system utility, information quality, and interface quality. For the development of the cognitive stimulation software, an inductive-deductive methodology was used in three stages: Analysis (system requirements), design and coding (cognitive stimulation software), evaluation (usability results). The usability of the software was assessed in 89 older adults between the ages of 60 and 84 years, through a usability questionnaire with evidence of reliability and validity. Eight exercises about attention, seven on memory, three on reasoning, one about planning and language, and two on perception were developed. We evaluated the usability of the developed software using the Computer System Usability Questionnaire, obtaining medium-high usability in 76.2% of the participants regarding the system utility, in 77.7% concerning the information quality and, in 84.2% in the interface quality. The software was developed considering aspects of usability and based on changes and losses associated with aging, as well as on the stimulation of cognitive functions related to instrumental activities of daily living, including exercises based on traditional pencil-paper exercises.

Atenção e memória de enfermeiros intensivistas: repercussões na segurança do paciente

The aim was to measure the scores of the cognitive functions of attention and memory of intensive care nurses and to discuss their repercussions on patient safety. Quasi-experimental study using neuropsychological pre and post-tests in 10 intensive care nurses before and after their day shift. We found a reduction in the working memory score after duty (median 26.50 / mean 26.40), before (median 27.00 / mean 28.00), representing a 6% decrease. Considering 10% significance, the unilateral test of working memory was significant (p = 0.06), indicating a decrease in the score after shift in all participants. In the split attention tests (TEADI) after duty (median 167.00 / average 154.40), before (median 106.00 / average 110.40), an increase of 40% on average; alternate attention (TEALT), before duty (median 115.50 / average 109.00), after (median 124.00 / average 119.30), an increase of 9% on average. At 10% significance, bilateral tests were significant (TEADI p = 0.002; TEALT p = 0.009), indicating a difference in the scores before and after the shift. We observed an increase in the nurses' attention scores at the end of the shift, justified by facing problem situations along the journey, raising their attention levels. On the other hand, there was a decrease in the working memory score, associated with the multiple tasks performed and constant processing of new information during the shift, imposing high demands on memory.

Late effects of pediatric brain tumors.

Adverse late effects of pediatric brain tumors can be numerous and complex and potentially alter the life trajectories of survivors in a multitude of ways. We review these inter-related late effects that compromise neurocognitive function, general health, social and psychological adjustment, and overall adaptive and vocational outcomes, and threaten to undermine the ability of survivors to transition independently into adulthood and effectively manage their care. Intervention/prevention strategies and advances in treatment that may reduce such late effects are discussed. Studies of neuropsychological late effects have revealed specific deficits in core cognitive functions of attention, working memory and processing speed, with many survivors demonstrating decline in working memory and processing speed over time, irrespective of tumor type or treatment. This in turn affects the ongoing development of higher order neurocognitive skills. Research also highlights the increasing burden of health-related, neuropsychological and psychosocial late effects into adulthood and impact across life outcomes. Pediatric brain tumor survivors require coordinated interdisciplinary care, ongoing evaluation and management of late effects, and timely interventions focused on mitigating the impact of late effects. The transition to adulthood can be especially vulnerable and addressing barriers to care is of paramount importance.

Influence of collateral circulation on cerebral blood flow and frontal lobe cognitive function in patients with severe internal carotid artery stenosis

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the cerebral blood flow (CBF) and frontal lobe cognitive function in severe internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis patients with different types of collateral circulation.MethodsOne hundred twenty-six patients with severe unilateral ICA stenosis were enrolled. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed to recruit patients with one of three common types of collateral circulation: anterior communicating artery (AcoA), posterior communicating artery (PcoA) and ophthalmic artery (OA). The hemodynamic parameters of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) were measured using transcranial Doppler (TCD), and the individual frontal lobe cognitive attention functions were evaluated using Word Fluency Test, Trail-Making Test (TMT), Digit Span, and Stroop Color Word Test (SCWT). The correlation between hemodynamic changes and the scores of all tasks was analyzed.ResultsOn the side of arterial stenosis, the CBF velocities were highest in AcoA group and lowest in the OA group. All patients performed worse in TMT and Digit Span than the matched normal controls. The AcoA group exhibited a lower pulsatility index (PI) and a longer response time in the Stroop task, but had a higher accuracy rate in the Stroop task and higher scores in Word Fluency Test than the PcoA and OA groups. In all the three groups, PI was positively correlated with the accuracy rate for Stroop interference effects.ConclusionsOur findings suggested that the frontal lobe cognitive function of patients with ICA was impaired, and AcoA collaterals may be beneficial for selective attention functions, whereas OA collaterals may be associated with impairment of selective attention functions. Additionally, a high PI may be an indicator for identifying impaired selective attention in patients with severe ICA stenosis.

Aprendizagem matemática com jogos digitais online: um estudo fundamentado a partir da Neurociência

Este artigo tem o propósito de apresentar um produto educacional referente à pesquisa desenvolvida no Programa de Pós-Graduação Profissional em Educação em nível de Mestrado da Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul - Campus Erechim. Trata-se de um estudo de campo na perspectiva qualitativa, cujo objetivo foi o de verificar as funções cognitivas de atenção e memória de estudantes em atividade com jogos digitais online de Matemática. Para tanto, subsídios teóricos relacionados aos jogos digitais, à Educação Matemática e à Neurociência Cognitiva foram elementares. Os participantes da pesquisa, estudantes voluntários dos anos finais do Ensino Fundamental de uma escola pública do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, participaram de oficinas interativas com jogos digitais, devidamente filmadas, tendo em vista a coleta de dados. Estes foram organizados e analisados a partir de categorias relativas às funções cognitivas de atenção e memória. Os resultados do estudo evidenciam, neste artigo, que o estudante, ao interagir com os jogos digitais, mantém a atenção sensorial/mental voltada à atividade, fazendo uso da memória de trabalho e dos processos de evocação e consolidação de memória permanente, o que garante que estes jogos são aliados da aprendizagem matemática.

The modifying effect of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on the neurophysiological characteristics of verbal information processing

Human functional MRI studies frequently reveal the joint activation of parietal and of lateral and mesial frontal areas during various cognitive tasks. To analyze the geometrical organization of those networks, we used an automatized clustering algorithm that parcels out sets of areas based on their similar profile of task-related activations or deactivations. This algorithm allowed us to reanalyze published fMRI data (Simon, O., Mangin, J.F., Cohen, L., Le Bihan, D., Dehaene, S., 2002. Topographical layout of hand, eye, calculation, and language-related areas in the human parietal lobe. Neuron 33, 475–487) and to reproduce the previously observed geometrical organization of activations for saccades, attention, grasping, pointing, calculation, and language processing in the parietal lobe. Further, we show that this organization extends to lateral and mesial prefrontal regions. Relative to the parietal lobe, the prefrontal functional geometry is characterized by a partially symmetrical anteroposterior ordering of activations, a decreased representation of effector-specific tasks, and a greater emphasis on higher cognitive functions of attention, higher-order spatial representation, calculation, and language. Anatomically, our results in humans are closely homologous to the known connectivity of parietal and frontal regions in the macaque monkey.

Saccadic responses to consecutive visual stimuli in healthy people and patients with schizophrenia

We investigated cognitive functions of attention and decision-making in 18 healthy subjects and 15 schizophrenia patients using an experimental design with consecutive presentation of two short visual stimuli (double-step). In patients with schizophrenia, an increase in the number of errors and change in the pattern of saccadic responses have been found: an increase of the number of two-saccade responses to each stimulus and a decrease in the number of single-saccade responses to the second stimulus. In schizophrenia patients, the latent period of the first of a pair of saccades has been shorter; and the latent period of single saccade has been increased in comparison with healthy subjects. Opposite lateral differences in latent periods of saccades in healthy subjects and schizophrenia patients have been found. Our results show the deficit of cognitive oculomotor control and a decrease in prognostic processes of saccade programming in schizophrenia patients.

Evaluation of resting state gamma power as a response marker in schizophrenia.

An abnormal activity in the electroencephalography (EEG) gamma band (>30 Hz) has been demonstrated in schizophrenia and this has been suggested to be reflecting a deficit in the development and maturation of the basic cognitive functions of attention, working memory and sensory processing. Hypothesizing gamma oscillatory activity as a potential EEG biomarker to antipsychotic response in schizophrenia, the present study aimed at measuring baseline spontaneous gamma activity in schizophrenia patients, and evaluating its response to antipsychotic treatment over 8 weeks. Fifteen drug-free/naïve patients were recruited, compared at baseline with 15 age-, sex- and education-matched healthy controls, and were followed up for 8 weeks' treatment on antipsychotics. Resting state EEG waves were recorded using high (192-channel) resolution EEG at admission, 4 weeks and 8 weeks. Spectral power was calculated using fast Fourier transformation, Hanning window. The power was averaged region-wise over nine regions in three frequency ranges (30-50 Hz, 50-70 Hz, 70-100 Hz). Patients and controls differed significantly at intake in terms of left temporal and parietal high (70-100 Hz) gamma power. Consequently, no significant differences were seen over the course of antipsychotic treatment on gamma spectral power in any of the regions. Lack of significant effect of treatment on gamma power suggests that these gamma oscillations may be trait markers in schizophrenia.

Some Vital and Unrecognized Roles of Attention in Quantum Theories of Consciousness

As the quantum models of consciousness are becoming more and more prominent for theoretical models of consciousness, more dimensions of consciousness are being discovered. At the same time, the need to pin-point the element of consciousness is becoming more and more important. Parallal to these researches, several cognitive models of consciousness have also been propounded. With more and more results of cognitive studies, we are coming to know that like consciousness, attention is also a basic function of human psychology and both are very intricately related to each other, some- times even overlapping with each other. Perhaps this has been the reason either the cognitive functions of attention have been completely over-looked or have been mistakenly used synonymously with consciousness in the theories of the latter. This is especially true for QM theories of consciousness. Because of not taking attention into account, some of the most basic assumptions of QM models of consciousness have been erroneous. In this article, we review the literature of basic theories of QM and at the same time, we will see that several important roles of attention in these theories are missing. This is because in most of the theories, attention has either been completely ignored or has been confused with consciousness, where as both are two distinct cognitive functions. In this preliminary exploration, we will try to address three basic issues on QM in relation to consciousness: 1)The measurement problem 2) The quantum reduction or wave function collapse and 3) The free choice of consciousness. We propose that future models of consciousness should take into account the vitality of understanding attention.

The relationship of neuropsychological variables to driving status following holistic neurorehabilitation.

Objective: The main objectives of the present study were to evaluate the cognitive and driving outcomes of a holistic neurorehabilitation program and to examine the relationship between the neuropsychological variables of attention, speed of information processing, and visuospatial functioning and driving outcomes.Methods: One hundred and twenty-eight individuals with heterogeneous neurological etiologies who participated in a holistic neurorehabilitation program. Holistic neurorehabilitation consisted of therapies focusing on physical, cognitive, language, emotional, and interpersonal functioning, including training in compensatory strategies. Neuropsychological testing was administered at admission and prior to starting driving or program discharge. Subtests of processing speed, working memory, and perceptual reasoning from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III and Trail Making Test were included.Results: At the time of discharge, 54% of the individuals returned to driving. Statistical analyses revealed that at the time of discharge: the sample as a group made significant improvements on cognitive measures included in the study; the driving and non-driving groups differed significantly on aspects of processing speed, attention, abstract reasoning, working memory, and visuospatial functions. Further, at the time of admission, the driving group performed significantly better than the non-driving group on several neuropsychological measures.Conclusion: Cognitive functions of attention, working memory, visual-motor coordination, motor and mental speed, and visual scanning significantly contribute to predicting driving status of individuals after neurorehabilitation. Holistic neurorehabilitation facilitates recovery and helps individuals to gain functional independence after brain injury.

The effects of acute hypoglycaemia on cognitive function in type 1 diabetes

Throughout life with type 1 diabetes mellitus people with the condition are exposed to multiple episodes of hypoglycaemia associated with insulin therapy. Hypoglycaemia affects several domains of cognitive function. Studies in non-diabetic adults and in people with type 1 diabetes have shown that almost all domains of cognitive function are impaired to some degree during acute hypoglycaemia, with complex tasks being more greatly affected. The specific cognitive functions of attention and memory are both profoundly impaired during hypoglycaemia. These cognitive processes are fundamental to the performance of many day to day tasks. Their impairment disrupts everyday life and raises safety concerns for the pursuit of activities such as driving. Mood and emotion are also negatively affected by hypoglycaemia, resulting in tense tiredness, while motivation is reduced, and anger may be generated in some individuals. Hypoglycaemia can cause embarrassing social situations, and may lead to chronic anxiety and depression in people with type 1 diabetes. At present few therapeutic measures can modify or ameliorate the effects of hypoglycaemia on cognitive function, so instigation of measures to prevent exposure to hypoglycaemia is of major clinical importance, while preserving good glycaemic control.

Automatized clustering and functional geometry of human parietofrontal networks for language, space, and number

Human functional MRI studies frequently reveal the joint activation of parietal and of lateral and mesial frontal areas during various cognitive tasks. To analyze the geometrical organization of those networks, we used an automatized clustering algorithm that parcels out sets of areas based on their similar profile of task-related activations or deactivations. This algorithm allowed us to reanalyze published fMRI data (Simon, O., Mangin, J.F., Cohen, L., Le Bihan, D., Dehaene, S., 2002. Topographical layout of hand, eye, calculation, and language-related areas in the human parietal lobe. Neuron 33, 475–487) and to reproduce the previously observed geometrical organization of activations for saccades, attention, grasping, pointing, calculation, and language processing in the parietal lobe. Further, we show that this organization extends to lateral and mesial prefrontal regions. Relative to the parietal lobe, the prefrontal functional geometry is characterized by a partially symmetrical anteroposterior ordering of activations, a decreased representation of effector-specific tasks, and a greater emphasis on higher cognitive functions of attention, higher-order spatial representation, calculation, and language. Anatomically, our results in humans are closely homologous to the known connectivity of parietal and frontal regions in the macaque monkey.

Quantitative EEG Abnormalities and Cognitive Dysfunctions in Frontotemporal Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

Objective: To investigate the relationship between quantitative EEG (qEEG) measurements in frontotemporal dementia (FTD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and healthy controls and to study to what extent qEEG in FTD and AD or neuropsychological test results of FTD and AD patients or a combination of both contribute to classification accuracy. Method: The FTD sample consisted of 19 patients, the AD sample of 16 patients, and the control group of 19 subjects. Groups were matched on the group level with respect to demographic variables. For qEEG the global field power was calculated for six frequency bands: δ (1.0–3.5 Hz), Θ (4.0–7.5 Hz), α (8.0–11.0 Hz), β1 (12.0–15.5 Hz), β2 (16.0–19.5 Hz), β3 (20.0–23.5 Hz), and spectral ratio as the ratio of the sum of fast frequency bands α + β1 + β2 + β3 and slow frequency bands δ + Θ. Results: In comparison to controls FTD patients were marked by an absence of an increase in slow qEEG activities and a decrease in fast activities, whereas AD patients were marked by an increase in slow activities and a smaller decrease in fast activities. According to the Mann-Whitney U test the cognitive functions of attention, visuospatial thinking and episodic memory were significantly better in FTD than in AD. Using logistic regression analysis the best predictors of FTD and AD were in a model using the δ and Θ activities, and high levels of visuospatial ability and episodic memory. Classification accuracy of the model was 93.3%. Conclusion: FTD patients reveal a different pattern of qEEG changes than AD patients. This result demonstrates the importance of qEEG for FTD diagnosis. Cognition is selectively better in FTD than in AD. A combination of qEEG and neuropsychology is recommended for differential diagnoses of FTD and AD.

The Role of Acetylcholine in the Cognitive Function of Frontal Neurons in Monkeys

To study the role of acetylcholine (ACh) in the cognitive function of frontal lobes, ACh and atropine were applied iontophoretically to the task-related neurons recorded from an area around the superior ramus of arcuate sulcus in the frontal cortex of 4 rhesus monkeys during the performance of two tasks. The spontaneous discharges and task-related responses of most of the neurons which increased their discharge rate in the delay and differentiation periods of the discrimination response go/no-go task and in the cue and delay periods of the delayed discrimination go/no-go task, were further increased during the application of ACh and suppressed during atropine. These results suggest that ACh may be involved in the excitatory process of the activity of the neurons in the above-mentioned area of frontal cortex to play an important role in the cognitive functions of attention, discrimination and short-term memory.