Fluid Cognitive Performance Research Articles

An exploratory analysis of the relationship between cerebral flood flow, mood, and fluid cognition in older adults

AbstractBackgroundASL, a common MRI measure of cerebral blood flow (CBF), is thought to be a potential tool in the detection of preclinical Alzheimer’s disease. This exploratory analysis examined the relationship between CBF, mood, and fluid cognitive performance on the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (NIHTB‐CB) as part of an ongoing triglyceride intervention study.Method20 female older adults (age 65.6 ± 7.6) underwent ASL MRI when fasting and two hours after a triglyceride intervention. 3D pCASL MRI with background suppression was used to measure CBF in ml/100g/min using label duration = 1.8 s, post‐labeling delay = 2 s, labeling offset = 25‐30 mm, slices = 30, resolution = 2×2×4 mm3, SENSE‐factor = 2, TR/TE = 5000/18 ms. We also performed a reference scan (M0, 1 minute) identical to the one above but with no labeling or background suppression and TR = 10,000 ms. CBF was measured globally and in four regions of interest: angular gyrus (AG), posterior cingulate (PC), temporal lobe, and the hippocampus. Subjects completed the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD‐7) and MoCA at screening. The NIHTB‐CB was completed following the second MRI, and age‐adjusted scores were used in all analyses.ResultBaseline global CBF, AG CBF, and hippocampal CBF negatively correlated with GAD‐7 scores (r = ‐.797, p<.0001; r = ‐.635, p = .0026; r = ‐.620, p = .0036, respectively). In contrast, global CBF and hippocampal CBF positively correlated with performance on the MoCA (r = .501, p = .0243; r = .546, p = .0126, respectively). Post‐intervention CBF in 3 of the 4 areas of interest positively correlated with fluid measures on the NIHTB‐CB, including the Flanker (AG: r = .528, p = .0166), Picture Sequence Memory Test (AG: r = .501, p = .0245; temporal lobe: r = .578, p = .0077), List Sorting Test (PC: r = .508, p = .0241), and fluid composite scores (AG: r = .610, p = .0043).ConclusionGreater anxiety correlated with lower baseline CBF overall and in the AG and hippocampus. Post‐lipid CBF correlated with better performance in working memory, executive function, and episodic memory. These results align with our predictions based on each of these regions’ functions. Further research exploring the relationship between mood and CBF is warranted, as well as investigating the effects of APOE4 status on these associations.

The effects of sub‐threshold depression and anxiety symptoms on fluid cognitive performance in older adults: an exploratory analysis

AbstractBackgroundClinical anxiety and depression have well‐understood cognitive effects, but less is known about sub‐threshold symptoms. This study explored differences in cognition between older adults with sub‐threshold symptoms of depression or anxiety in comparison to those with no symptoms and investigated whether the COVID‐19 pandemic or APOE4 carrier status contributed to these symptoms.Method72 older adults (age 64.33±6.3) completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD‐7), and NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (NIHTB‐CB). Participants were split into a Pre‐COVID Group (participation before March 2020) and a Post‐COVID Group. Subjects were also split based on their mood assessment scores. Those who scored 0 on the PHQ‐9 (“None” Group) were separated from those who scored 1–4 (“Some” Group). The same process was performed for the GAD‐7 assessment. Age‐corrected NIHTB‐CB scores were compared between groups for both mood assessments by ANCOVA using SAS Studio software, adjusting for education level.ResultThere were no significant differences in PHQ‐9 or GAD‐7 scores between Pre‐ and Post‐COVID groups, nor did mood symptoms differ by APOE4 status (p’s>.05). The PHQ‐9 “Some” Group produced higher scores on the Fluid Cognition Composite than the “None” Group (111.11±2.24 and 102.57±2.81, respectively; p = .023). This was driven by significantly better performances on Pattern Comparison (PC; p = .014) and a trend of better performance on Dimensional Change Card Sort task (DCCS; p = .054). Reaction times were also faster for the “Some” Group on DCCS (p = .002) and PC (p = .002) tasks. No significant differences were found for GAD‐7 subgroupings.ConclusionAnxious and depressive symptoms did not differ between COVID‐19 or APOE4 groups. While sub‐threshold anxiety did not affect cognition, those with some depressive symptoms performed better on fluid cognitive measures, specifically tests of processing speed, than those with no symptoms. Further analysis exploring the relationship between components of these two mood assessments and fluid cognitive performance is warranted.

Neurite dispersion and density mediates the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and cognition in healthy younger adults

Growing evidence suggests physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with better cognition across the lifespan. However, the neurobiological underpinnings relating fitness and cognition remain unclear, particularly in healthy younger adults. Using a well-established and popular multi-compartment diffusion modeling approach, called Neurite Orientation and Dispersion and Density Imaging (NODDI), we investigated the relationship between physical fitness (measured via a 2-min walk test), cognition (fluid and crystallized), and gray and white matter microstructure, in a large sample (n = 816) of healthy younger adults (ages 22–35 years) from the human connectome project (HCP). Concurrent with previous literature, we found that fitness was positively associated with both fluid and crystallized cognition. Furthermore, we found that physical fitness was negatively associated with white matter orientation dispersion index (ODIWM) around the cerebellar peduncle and was negatively associated with widespread cortical and subcortical gray matter neurite density index (NDIGM). Lower ODIWM of the cerebral peduncle was associated with better fluid cognitive performance, while lower NDIGM was associated with better crystallized cognition. Finally, we found that while ODIWM partially mediated the relationship between fitness and fluid cognition, NDIGM partially mediated the relationship between fitness and crystallized cognition. This study is the first to explore the relationship between physical fitness and white and gray matter microstructure measures using NODDI. Our findings suggest that in addition to improved cognitive performance, higher physical fitness may be associated with lower white matter tract dispersion and lower neurite density in the cortical and subcortical gray matter of healthy younger adults.

4190 White Matter Integrity in Hemodialysis Patients

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The purpose of this study is to understand how hemodynamics during dialysis in End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients on hemodialysis (HD) affect white matter health and how those effects cause cognitive impairments. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We collected demographic data, comorbidities, intradialytic measurements of blood pressure and cerebral oximetry, cognitive measures in several domains using NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery, diffusion-weighted and anatomical MRIs for 20 participants on HD. Specific tracts were identified using tractography and were used to calculate the average DTI measurements in each tract. Regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between mean DTI measurements of white matter integrity and cognitive performance scores. In addition, we compared diffusion MRI and T1 anatomical images of 16 healthy age-matched controls from a previous study. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: In our cohort 18 participants had imaging data that could be used in the analysis. We found widespread decreases in DTI white matter integrity compared to healthy age-matched controls, mean whole-brain fractional anisotropy was .3218 in the HD cohort and .3472 in controls p = .0018. Decreased integrity was found in most of the tracts identified but more decreased in tracts implicated in cognition. Partial regression analysis identified significant relationships between the white matter integrity of the left superior longitudinal fasciculus and overall fluid cognitive performance, R = .5525, p = .0174 before multiple comparisons correction when controlling for differences due to age. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: We found a widespread decrease in white matter integrity and significant correlations between cognitive performance and specific tract integrity in our HD cohort using regions identified by tractography imaging analysis. This analysis shows that HD patients have decreased white matter health and identifies several tracts that are important for cognitive performance in HD patients.

COHORT DIFFERENCES IN COGNITIVE AGING: THE ROLE OF PERCEIVED WORK ENVIRONMENT

Studies of historical change on cognitive aging generally document that later-born cohorts outperform earlier-born cohorts on tests of fluid cognitive performance. It is often noted how advances in educational attainment contribute to this finding. Over the last century, work demands and characteristics have changed profoundly, with shifts from a manufacturing to service and technical economy. We used data from the Seattle Longitudinal Study to compare trajectories of cognitive change between earlier-born (1901-1938) and later-born cohorts (1939-1966). Our findings show that (a) later-born cohorts had higher levels of performance on most cognitive tasks and exhibited less decline in word fluency, (b) had more enriched perceived work environment as indicated by higher levels of worker control and innovation, with no cohort differences in work autonomy (c) these experiences were associated with higher levels of cognitive performance independent of education and consistently across cohorts. We discuss potential mechanisms underlying these associations.

Age variations in cohort differences in the United States: Older adults report fewer constraints nowadays than those 18 years ago, but mastery beliefs are diminished among younger adults.

Life Span psychological and life course sociological perspectives have long acknowledged that individual functioning is shaped by historical and sociocultural contexts. Secular increases favoring later-born cohorts are widely documented for fluid cognitive performance and well-being (among older adults). However, little is known about secular trends in other key resources of psychosocial function such as perceptions of control and whether historical changes have occurred in young, middle-aged, and older adults alike. To examine these questions, we compared data from two independent national samples of the Midlife in the United States survey obtained 18 years apart (1995/96 vs. 2013/14) and identified case-matched cohorts (per cohort, n = 2,223, aged = 23-75 years) based on age and gender. We additionally examined the role of economic resources for cohort differences in perceived mastery and constraints. Results revealed that older adults in later-born cohorts reported perceiving fewer constraints than did matched controls 18 years ago, with such positive secular trends being particularly pronounced among women. In contrast, younger adults reported perceiving more constraints in later-born cohorts than those 18 years ago and also reported perceiving lower mastery. We conclude from our national U.S. sample that secular trends generalize to central psychosocial resources across adulthood, such as perceptions of control, but are not unanimously positive. We discuss possible underlying mechanisms and practical implications. (PsycINFO Database Record

Perceived constraints in late midlife: Cohort differences in the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA).

Life span psychological and life course sociological perspectives have long acknowledged the role of historical and sociocultural contexts for individuals' functioning and development. Secular increases favoring older adults in later born cohorts are widely documented for fluid cognitive performance and well-being. However, less is known about secular trends in further key resources of psychosocial functioning, such as perceptions of constraints, and how these are driven by and associated with well-established and probably interrelated secular trends in several individual difference characteristics, including sociodemographic, religiosity, physical health, cognitive, and social variables. To examine these questions, we compared data from 2 independent local samples of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) obtained 20 years apart, in 1992-1993 (n1992-1993 = 795; age = 55-65 years) versus in 2012-2013 (n2012-2013 = 819; age = 55-65 years). Results revealed that in late midlife, people today perceive fewer constraints than did same-aged peers 20 years ago. These secular trends remained after covarying for individual and cohort differences in physical health, performance-based measures of cognitive functioning (memory), quantitative and qualitative indicators of social support, and self-esteem. The effect size was in the moderate range (d = -.20). We conclude that secular trends such as perceptions of constraints in people's lives generalize to key psychosocial resources across adulthood and old age. We discuss potential underlying mechanisms and consider practical implications of our findings. (PsycINFO Database Record

Cognitive Aging in the Seattle Longitudinal Study: Within-Person Associations of Primary Mental Abilities with Psychomotor Speed and Cognitive Flexibility

It has long been proposed that cognitive aging in fluid abilities is driven by age-related declines of processing speed. Although study of between-person associations generally supports this view, accumulating longitudinal between-person and within-person evidence indicates less strong associations between speed and fluid cognitive performance. Initial evidence also suggests that cognitive flexibility may explain within-person variability in cognitive performance. In the present study, we used up to nine waves of data over 56 years from a subsample of 582 participants of the Seattle Longitudinal Study to examine (a) within-person associations of psychomotor speed and cognitive flexibility with cognitive aging in primary mental abilities (including inductive reasoning, number ability, verbal meaning, spatial orientation, and word fluency); and (b) how these within-person associations change with age. In line with the processing speed theory, results revealed that within persons, primary mental abilities (including fluid, crystallized, and visualization measures) were indeed associated with psychomotor speed. We also observed age-related increases in within-person couplings between primary mental abilities and psychomotor speed. While the processing speed theory focuses primarily on associations with fluid abilities, age-related increases in coupling were found for a variety of ability domains. Within-person associations between primary mental abilities and cognitive flexibility were weaker and relatively stable with age. We discuss the role of speed and flexibility for cognitive aging.

Empathic accuracy for happiness in the daily lives of older couples: Fluid cognitive performance predicts pattern accuracy among men.

Correctly identifying other's emotional states is a central cognitive component of empathy. We examined the role of fluid cognitive performance for empathic accuracy for happiness in the daily lives of 86 older couples (mean relationship length = 45 years; mean age = 75 years) on up to 42 occasions over 7 consecutive days. Men performing better on the Digit Symbol test were more accurate in identifying ups and downs of their partner's happiness. A similar association was not found for women. We discuss the potential role of fluid cognitive performance and other individual, partner, and situation characteristics for empathic accuracy. (PsycINFO Database Record

Cohort Differences in Psychosocial Function over 20 Years: Current Older Adults Feel Less Lonely and Less Dependent on External Circumstances

Background: Lifespan psychological and life course sociological perspectives indicate that individual development is shaped by social and historical circumstances. Increases in fluid cognitive performance over the last century are well documented and researchers have begun examining historical trends in personality and subjective well-being in old age. Relatively less is known about secular changes in other key components of psychosocial function among older adults. Objective: In the present study, we examined cohort differences in key components of psychosocial function, including subjective age, control beliefs, and perceived social integration, as indicated by loneliness and availability of very close others. Methods: We compared data obtained 20 years apart in the Berlin Aging Study (in 1990-1993) and the Berlin Aging Study II (in 2013-2014) and identified case-matched cohort groups based on age, gender, cohort-normed education, and marital or partner status (n = 153 in each cohort, mean age = 75 years). In follow-up analyses, we controlled for having lived in former East versus West Germany, physical diseases, cohort-normed household income, cognitive performance, and the presence of a religious affiliation. Results: Consistently across analyses, we found that, relative to the earlier-born BASE cohort (year of birth: mean = 1916; SD = 3.38 years; range = 1901-1922), participants in the BASE-II sample (year of birth: mean = 1939; SD = 3.22 years; range = 1925-1949) reported lower levels of external control beliefs (d = -1.01) and loneliness (d = -0.63). Cohorts did not differ in subjective age, availability of very close others, and internal control beliefs. Conclusion: Taken together, our findings suggest that some aspects of psychosocial function of older adults have improved across the two recent decades. We discuss the possible role of sociocultural factors that might have led to the observed set of cohort differences.

Supplemental Material for Empathic Accuracy for Happiness in the Daily Lives of Older Couples: Fluid Cognitive Performance Predicts Pattern Accuracy Among Men

Supplemental Material for Empathic Accuracy for Happiness in the Daily Lives of Older Couples: Fluid Cognitive Performance Predicts Pattern Accuracy Among Men

Amžiaus sąsajos su paprastos ir sudėtingos informacijos apdorojimo greičiu, atmintimi bei psichinės veiklos perkėlimu

Suaugusiųjų amžius siejamas su informacijos apdorojimo greičio lėtėjimu ir daugelio kitų fluidinių gebėjimų (atmintis, psichinės veiklos perkėlimas) susilpnėjimu. Remiantis informacijos apdorojimo greičio teorija ir gausiais empiriniais įrodymais galima teigti, kad informacijos apdorojimo greitis yra amžiaus ir fluidinių gebėjimų ryšių mediatorius. Vis dėlto nėra aišku, ar mediacinis ryšys išlieka, jeigu atskiriamas paprastos ir sudėtingos informacijos apdorojimo greitis. Šiame straipsnyje aprašyto tyrimo tikslas – ištirti tiesioginius ir mediacinius ryšius tarp amžiaus, paprastos ir sudėtingos informacijos apdorojimo greičio, atminties ir psichinės veiklos perkėlimo. Tyrime dalyvavo 415 asmenų, kurių amžius – nuo 18 iki 84 metų (M = 39,05; SD = 18,34). Visi tyrimo dalyviai, naudodamiesi kompiuteriu, atliko vienuolika pažintinėms funkcijoms tirti skirtų užduočių. Užduotys suskirstytos į keturias grupes. Toks grupavimas pagrįstas patvirtinamąja faktorių analize (X2 = 83,035; df = 47; p = 0,001, RMSEA = 0,043; CFI = 0,973; TLI = 0,961). Tyrimo dalyviai taip pat užpildė klausimyną, kurį sudarė demografiniai klausimai apie šeiminę padėtį, darbą, lytį, kalbą, išsilavinimą ir amžių. Tiesiniai ir mediaciniai amžiaus ir pažintinių gebėjimų ryšiai įvertinti keturiais kelių analizės modeliais. Nustatyta, kad amžius stipriai susijęs su paprastos ir sudėtingos informacijos apdorojimo greičio lėtėjimu bei atminties prastėjimu. Paprastos informacijos apdorojimo greitis yra mediatorius, paaiškinantis amžiaus sąsają su atmintimi ir iš dalies – amžiaus sąsają su psichinės veiklos perkėlimu. Paprastos informacijos apdorojimo greitis tik iš dalies paaiškina amžiaus sąsają su sudėtingos informacijos apdorojimo greičiu. Sudėtingos informacijos apdorojimo greitis yra mediatorius, paaiškinantis paprastos informacijos apdorojimo greičio sąsają su psichinės veiklos perkėlimu ir iš dalies – sąsają su atmintimi.

Cognitive Diversity in Middle-Aged and Elderly Adults: The Role of Education

This study examines cognitive diversity through performance of four attentional tasks and a vocabulary measure in relation to age and level of education. Tasks were performed by 168 participants (aged between 45 and 91 years) who were grouped according to age and level of education. Multivariate analyses of variance were applied to Z scores calculated from intersubject coefficients of variation. When the variance associated with education was discounted prior to analysis, a disproportionate increase in cognitive diversity was observed in participants over 75 years of age. When cognitive diversity was analyzed in relation to age and education in the three youngest age groups, participants with a low level of education displayed higher diversity in most attentional tasks from 66 years of age. In participants with a high level of education, diversity was lower for all attentional tasks considered from 56 years of age. Vocabulary knowledge was the most sensitive to education-related cognitive diversity. The diversifying effect of the relationship between education and diversity on fluid cognitive performance appeared to reverse and become a homogenizing effect with increasing age.

Marital Conflict, Allostatic Load, and the Development of Children's Fluid Cognitive Performance

Relations between marital conflict, children's respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), and fluid cognitive performance were examined over 3 years to assess allostatic processes. Participants were 251 children reporting on marital conflict, baseline RSA, and RSA reactivity (RSA-R) to a lab challenge were recorded, and fluid cognitive performance was measured using the Woodcock-Johnson III. A cross-lagged model showed that higher levels of marital conflict at age 8 predicted weaker RSA-R at age 9 for children with lower baseline RSA. A growth model showed that lower baseline RSA in conjunction with weaker RSA-R predicted the slowest development of fluid cognitive performance. Findings suggest that stress may affect development of physiological systems regulating attention, which are tied to the development of fluid cognitive performance.