Digit Span Research Articles

A - 33 Examining the Relationship Between Playing Position and Executive Function Performance in Professional Football Players

A - 33 Examining the Relationship Between Playing Position and Executive Function Performance in Professional Football Players

A - 26 Re-establishing and Refining Baseline Neuropsychological Test Data Among Professional Hockey Players Using Regression-Based Prediction Models

A - 26 Re-establishing and Refining Baseline Neuropsychological Test Data Among Professional Hockey Players Using Regression-Based Prediction Models

Normative data for Vietnamese population: Effects of age, education, and sex on test performance.

Normative data of neuropsychological tests in the Vietnamese population is considerably lacking. We aim to evaluate the effects of age, education, and sex on the performance of common neuropsychological tests, and to generate normative data for these tests in cognitively normal Vietnamese adults. Participants were recruited from two hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City, with inclusion criteria as follows: age ≥ 40 years, normal cognition and function, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores ≥ 26. Neuropsychological tests were administered in a paper-and-pencil format, including the CERAD Word List, Trail Making Tests, Digit Span, Animal Naming, and Clock Drawing Test. Effects of age, education, and sex on test performance were evaluated using multiple linear regression analyses. Normed scores were reported as regression-based and discrete norms tables. Participants included 385 cognitively normal Vietnamese, with age 61.4 ± 10.9 years (range 40 - 89), female 56%, who were relatively highly educated (42% attended college and beyond, 36% attended high school or equivalent institutions, 22% had less than high school education), and had MMSE scores 27.8 ± 1.0. Trail Making Test Part B was completed within 300 s by only 204/385 (53%) participants. Regression analyses demonstrated significant associations between age and education with performance on all or most tests, and between sex and all CERAD Word List measures and Clock Drawing Test. The present work provides the first known normative data for a relatively comprehensive neuropsychological battery in Vietnamese adults. Performance on all tests was significantly influenced by age and education.

Auditory P300 event related potential and cognitive function in adults with drug resistant and newly diagnosed epilepsy.

Auditory P300 event related potential and cognitive function in adults with drug resistant and newly diagnosed epilepsy.

Objective biomarkers of cognitive performance in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: acoustic features of affective prosody.

Objective biomarkers of cognitive performance in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: acoustic features of affective prosody.

Impact of motor error processing on performance on a working memory task: effect of modulating cognitive load in high and low span groups.

Impact of motor error processing on performance on a working memory task: effect of modulating cognitive load in high and low span groups.

AI-powered speech device as a tool for neuropsychological assessment of an older adult population: A preliminary study.

AI-powered speech device as a tool for neuropsychological assessment of an older adult population: A preliminary study.

Lower aperiodic EEG activity is associated with reduced verbal fluency performance across adulthood.

Lower aperiodic EEG activity is associated with reduced verbal fluency performance across adulthood.

Neural and perceptual speech in noise processing among 6-8-year-old children: Relation to working memory.

Neural and perceptual speech in noise processing among 6-8-year-old children: Relation to working memory.

Peer relationships, teacher-student relationships, school climate, and prosocial behavior of autistic children in inclusive education: the mediating role of executive function

Objectives The present study explored the role of peer relationships, teacher-student relationships, and school climate in predicting prosocial behavior in autistic children in an inclusive setting. It also examined whether these three factors indirectly influence prosocial behavior through executive function. Methods The sample included 196 autistic children in grades 1–5, enrolled in inclusive education settings (e.g. general classrooms, self-contained classrooms, and resource rooms). Peer relationships (assessed via the Peer Relationships Questionnaire), teacher-student relationships (Teacher-Student Relationships Questionnaire), school climate (Perceived School Climate Questionnaire), and prosocial behavior (measured through resource allocation, donation, and helping behavior experiments) were evaluated. Executive functioning was quantified using the Red-Blue Stroop Task, Digit Span Backward Task, and Dimensionally Varying Picture Sorting Task. Mediation analyses were conducted to explore the relationships among these variables. Results Peer relationships (r = 0.357), teacher-student relationships (r = 0.403), school climate (r = 0.341), and executive function (r = 0.569) were all significantly correlated with prosocial behavior. Executive functioning partially mediated the relationships between peer relationships, teacher-student relationships, and school climate with prosocial behavior, with mediation effect sizes of 0.204, 0.047, and 0.036, respectively. Conclusions The findings suggest that peer relationships, teacher-student relationships, and school climate in inclusive settings directly impact prosocial behavior in autistic children. Additionally, these factors may indirectly influence prosocial behavior through executive function.

The cognitive burden of epilepsy: Assessing executive dysfunction in adult patients

Executive functions are frequently impaired in individuals with epilepsy. Understanding the patterns of these dysfunctions is essential for effective management of epileptic patients. To comprehend these patterns, we aimed to investigate executive function performance in adult epileptic patients. Thirty adults with epilepsy, along with fifty healthy controls matched for age, gender, and education were administered standard performance-based executive tasks, including Digit Span Forward and Backward, Trail Making Test A and B, Design Fluency Regular and Irregular, and Semantic Verbal Fluency. Results indicated that Digit Span Forward and Backward tests were the most frequently impaired, with 80% and 90% of patients showing impairments, respectively. The Semantic Verbal Fluency task had the lowest frequency of impairment, with a 30% prevalence among patients. Additionally, a higher frequency of seizures significantly predicted longer completion times for Trail Making Test A (beta = 0.281, p = 0.030) and Trail Making Test B (beta = 0.586, p = 0.001), as well as lower total executive function scores (beta = −0.429, p = 0.000). No significant associations were found between executive function and age of onset or number of antiepileptic drugs. Our results indicate that adult epileptic patients display substantial executive dysfunction, particularly in working memory and cognitive flexibility and highlight the detrimental effect of inadequately controlled epilepsy and high seizure frequency on exacerbating these impairments. This underscores the importance of regular executive function assessments in the management of epileptic patients, tailored to individual needs and performance levels, to optimize care and improve quality of life.

Enhancement of the left frontoparietal network through real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging functional connectivity-informed neurofeedback and its impact on working memory in schizophrenia: A pilot study.

Cognitive impairment in schizophrenia shows limited improvement with pharmacotherapy, indicating a need for effective treatment. The frontoparietal network supports working memory, and a biomarker has successfully predicted performance in patients, with the left frontoparietal network contributing the most to working memory. We hypothesized that enhancing functional connectivity in this network through real-time neurofeedback (NF) will improve working memory in patients with schizophrenia. We conducted a two-arm, nonrandomized pilot study in patients with schizophrenia, with a NF group (N = 11) and a control N-back training group (N = 11). The NF training lasted 5 days (one session per day). The first session included baseline measurements, while the next four sessions involved training. The participants completed cognitive and clinical assessments and resting-state scans preintervention and postintervention. Our primary neural outcome was increased functional connectivity during NF, and the behavioral outcome was improvement in working memory, as indicated by scores on the digit-span backward task and working memory capability measured by the N-back task. The NF group showed increased functional connectivity within the left frontoparietal network during the final session. A significant correlation existed between functional connectivity and the improvement in the mean N-back level, indicating that enhancing this network can boost working memory. A group-by-time interaction effect improved postintervention task score on the digit-span backward task in the NF group. In addition, post-NF scans indicated an enhanced resting-state functional connectivity within the left frontoparietal network. These results highlight the potential of functional connectivity-informed NF as a novel therapeutic approach for improving working memory in schizophrenia. Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (UMIN000024831, jRCTs052180168, jRCTs032190244).

Effects of auditory training on children with developmental language disorder: a systematic review.

This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of auditory training (AT) on various parameters, including language abilities, speech perception, auditory behavior, electrophysiological assessments, and working memory, in children with developmental language disorder (DLD) population. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and CINAHL from inception to August 7, 2023, and further scrutinized the references of all selected articles. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies that investigated the effects of AT on children with DLD. Two researchers independently screened studies, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. We included nine studies (eight RCTs and one quasi-experimental) in the systematic review, encompassing 379 children with DLD, 195 in the AT group and 184 in the control group. Compared to controls across five studies, AT did not significantly increase language abilities (expressive, receptive and total). Four out of five studies found significant improvements in children's speech perception abilities after AT treatment, particularly phonological awareness and phoneme discrimination. Two studies showed improvements in temporal ordering and figure-context assessment, but two other studies found no significant changes. Two studies examining electrophysiological measures reported increased amplitudes in auditory event-related potentials after AT. Results for phonological working memory were inconsistent, with one study showing improvements in non-word repetition and digit span tasks, while another found no significant changes. Current evidence does not support the effectiveness of AT in enhancing core language abilities in children with DLD. However, AT may offer potential benefits for specific auditory processing skills and speech perception. More precise evaluation of the effectiveness of AT therapies in this population should be conducted in future research by employing rigorous methodology, bigger sample numbers and standardized outcome measures. www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/myprospero, identifier CRD42024583480.

Relationship between executive function and dual-task walking in people with Parkinson's disease.

Cognitive impairment may present early in people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD), with deficits in executive function potentially impacting gait performance. Previous studies have investigated the association between dual-task walking and executive function in PwPD; however, the results were inconsistent, and the correlation between dual-task walking and subdomains of executive function has not been explored. This study aims to examine the correlation between dual-task walking and subdomains of executive function in PD and assess the predictive power of different subdomains of executive function on dual-task walking performance. This cross-sectional study included 30 PwPD. Gait was assessed under single-task walking, cognitive dual-task walking, and motor dual-task walking conditions. Executive function was evaluated using the Trail Making Test (TMT), Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT), and Digit Span Test (DST). Correlation analyses (Pearson or Spearman, as appropriate) and linear regression analyses were used to examine the contribution of executive function subdomains to gait variables that showed significant correlations. Walking speeds under both dual-task conditions were moderately correlated with performance on the TMT Part A and the SCWT. In contrast, stride length during dual-task walking showed broader associations, demonstrating significant correlations with multiple executive function measures. Stepwise linear regression analysis revealed that the SCWT was the only significant predictor of walking speed under both dual-task conditions. For stride length during cognitive dual-task walking, the SCWT remained a significant predictor, while in the motor dual-task condition, both the SCWT and the Forward DST contributed significantly. Specifically, two regression models were significant for stride length during motor dual-task walking: Model 1 included only the SCWT, while Model 2 incorporated both the SCWT and Forward DST. Among dual-task cost outcomes, only the cost of stride length during cognitive dual-task walking was significantly correlated with TMT Part A; however, this association did not remain significant in subsequent regression analyses. This study indicates that, among various executive function assessments, the SCWT shows the strongest correlation with dual-task gait performance in PwPD. This suggests that inhibitory control plays a key role in regulating dual-task walking in individuals with PD.

Executive Functions and Juvenile Delinquency: A Comparative Analysis of Institutionalized Adolescents in Colombia

Introduction: During adolescence, conduct disorders emerge, associated with frontal alterations and executive function (EF) deficits, influencing delinquent trajectories. The study aimed to compare EF in delinquent (N=125) and non-delinquent (N=153) adolescents. Method: We administered the WCST, TMT-2, PM, Go/NoGo, ToL, and Wechsler backward digit span tests, and conducted both parametric and non-parametric MANOVA/MANCOVA. Results: Delinquents exhibited more non-perseverative (WCST), type 2 (ToL), and total (PM) errors, as well as more NoGo errors and lifting movements (TMT-2). Non-delinquents showed more stops/pauses (TMT-2), longer GO reaction times, and higher memory scores (ID-W). Differences were significant (p<0.001) with small-to-moderate effect sizes. These differences persisted after controlling for IQ, and age did not influence the results. Conclusions: Delinquents demonstrated poorer inhibitory control, reduced interference control, and lower working memory, potentially linked to early delinquent trajectories. These findings support interventions focused on improving EF in vulnerable populations.

Never too late to start musical instrument training: Effects on working memory and subcortical preservation in healthy older adults across 4 years

Abstract Studies have shown the beneficial effects of musical instrument on memory and executive function in healthy aging. However, few studies investigated these long-term benefits. In this regard, the current study tracked a cohort of older adults (n = 53) over 4 years after they have initially participated in a musical instrument training program. Out of the initial sample, 13 of them voluntarily continued participating in the musical instrument training (continue group: 77.85 ± 4.30 years, 10 female, 3 male), while 19 of them discontinued their participation in the music program and instead engaged in other forms of leisure activities (stop group: age: 76.00 ± 5.44 years, 13 female, 6 male). At baseline, behavioral measures of verbal working memory (WM), verbal memory, and executive control were collected. In addition, participants completed a visual WM task (face n-back task) during fMRI scanning. Four years later, the same battery of tests was administered, with the addition of a digit n-back task to examine changes in verbal WM. Region-of-interest structural analyses focused on the striatum and cerebellum, based on previously reported intervention effects and the advantages observed in musicians. The continue group demonstrated better preservation of verbal WM performance (a composite score of Digit Span and Verbal Fluency tasks) and right putamen gray matter volume (GMV) over 4 years. During verbal WM processing, this group exhibited lower cerebellum–pons functional connectivity (FC), which significantly correlated with improved verbal WM performance. Moreover, the continue group also showed greater cerebellar activation during the digit task, increased intra-cerebellar FC, and decreased cerebellar–cortical FC during the face task. The combined evidence suggested enhanced cerebellar function and thus reduced reliance on other brain regions such as the cortical areas and brainstem for compensation. Taken together, these results suggested the musical instrument training effects in mitigating age-related decline in verbal WM and subcortical structure (putamen) and function (cerebellum). This study provides longitudinal evidence that initiating musical instrument training in older adulthood can counteract age-related cognitive and brain decline.

Cognitive and Personality Profiles of Patients With Chronic Trigeminal Neuralgia.

Patients suffering from chronic pain are known to exhibit distinctive personality traits and impaired neuropsychological performance across various cognitive domains. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive evidence regarding cognitive and behavioural functioning patterns in patients with trigeminal neuralgia. In this study, we aimed to thoroughly characterise a range of psychological and neuropsychological variables in a sample of 73 patients and 34 healthy controls, and to assess their relationship with pain intensity and duration. Our findings revealed that patients with trigeminal pain scored significantly higher on measures of anxiety, depression, perceived stress, alexithymia, pain catastrophizing, harm avoidance and lower on the Self-transcendence subscale compared to healthy controls. Additionally, these patients demonstrated lower performance scores on tasks assessing working memory and verbal fluency. The regression model with Rey complex figure copy, backward digit span and perceived stress scores taken as predictors accounted for 32% of the pain intensity variance. These findings may provide valuable insights for the development of personalised treatment plans for patients with trigeminal neuralgia, specifically targeting their unique personality traits and cognitive impairments. Our work expands the current understanding of cognitive deficits and personality traits in patients with chronic facial pain. Furthermore, this study provides additional evidence that psychological and neuropsychological factors significantly contribute to the patients' perception of pain.

Gender differences in pre-mild cognitive decline in middle-aged and elderly patients

The aim of the study. Analysis of neuropsychological characteristics of patients of different sexes with pre-mild cognitive decline (PMCD), including subjective and subtle cognitive decline.Material and methods. The study included 388 female patients with PMCD (mean age 64.75 ± 8.71 years) and 159 male patients (mean age 65.52 ± 9.41 years). A clinical psychological study was conducted using quantitative scales — the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), and memory tests — a 12 word test with immediate and delayed recall, mental process speed — a study of literal and categorical associations, a trail making test (parts A), an assessment of the nominative function of speech using the Boston Naming Test, attention — a forward and backward digit repetition test, visual-spatial functions — a clock drawing test, and execu- tive functions — a trail making test (parts B). The emotional state of patients was examined using the Beck Depression Inventory, the Spielberger Anxiety Scale, and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Questionnaire (NPI).Results. Among patients with PMCD, women differed from men in better indicators of the speed of production pro- cesses, function management, and auditory-verbal memory. Women also had higher values of Beck Depression Inventory, depression indicators, and noise level according to the NPI. Men had higher indicators of arousal and disinhibition according to the NPI. Men with higher education had higher indicators of executive functions, speech, and visual-spatial functions compared to men with a high level of education. Women with a higher level of education diff ered in better indicators of memory, visual-spatial functions, and executive functions than women with a lower level of education. When examining men and women with secondary school education, some deviations in neuropsychological indicators were found only in relation to the 12 word memory test with direct reproduction with the help of women. When measuring the indicators of men and women with higher education, it was found that women diff ered from men in better indicators of speech speed, higher scores on screening scales — a brief scale for assessing the mental factor and a scale for assessing frontal dysfunction, better speed of mental processes, auditory-verbal memory. Men showed higher indicators of inhibition, and women also showed higher indicators of irritability according to the NPI data. Men and women without emotional disorders with PMCD had better indicators of executive functions.Conclusion. Comparative analysis of cognitive characteristics in different gender groups with PMCD revealed differences in the performance of tests assessing executive functions, speed of cognitive processes and memory, with better results in women. Our study showed that the level of education affects the degree of cognitive decline and to a greater extent in women.

Does Right-Hand Motor Impairment Affect Performance on Cognitive Testing in Parkinson's Disease?

For People with Parkinson's (PwP), motor disturbances affecting the dominant upper extremity often impacts ability to perform tasks such as writing or typing and may confound cognitive test performances with graphomotor responding. We explored association between upper extremity impairment and graphomotor cognitive test performances in a clinical sample of moderately advanced PwP pursuing Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). A retrospective chart review was conducted of 80 consecutive right hand dominant PwP who completed pre-DBS neuropsychological evaluations. Right upper extremity (RUE) impairment was measured using MDS-UPDRS Part 3. Non-parametric correlations examined associations between RUE impairment and tests involving graphomotor (trail making, letter cancellation, visual memory) versus oral responding (fluency, digit span, verbal memory). No statistically significant associations were observed between RUE motor impairment and graphomotor test performances. Minimal impact of dominant RUE impairment on graphomotor tasks in moderately advanced PwP supports application in clinical and research settings.

Validating the California Verbal Learning Test-Second Edition-Short Form Forced Choice Trial as an Embedded Performance Validity Indicator.

Validating the California Verbal Learning Test-Second Edition-Short Form Forced Choice Trial as an Embedded Performance Validity Indicator.