Digit Span Forward Test Research Articles

Working memory enhancement during early childhood based on the utilization of interactive gesture game-based learning technique

<p>The use of human computer interaction is considered to be the most culturally and socially meritorious for the learning and playing activities of children. In this paper, a human interaction recognition system (HIRS) that includes gesture game-based learning is investigated for identifying its suitability and applicability in stimulation of working memory and primitive mathematical skills among the children in the early childhood period that ranges from 5 and 8 years. In the proposed human interaction recognition system, the hand gestures are facilitated by the user for the objective of controlling the computer system based on the information extracted from the user gestures.This proposed research was implemented in three phases using a quasi-experimental design that in turn incorporates pre-test and post-test for investigating the behavior of experimental and control group considered from the respondents. In the first phase, the initial evaluation of the learner’s skill is achieved. The second phase used the developed technology in order to identify diversified parameters in different dimensions that contribute towards the assessment of working memory and primitive mathematical capabilities. Finally, the third phase is responsible for actual evaluation. In the phases of evaluation, four working memory tests such as forward Corsi Blocking-Tapping test, backward Corsi Blocking-Tapping test, Forward Digit Span test and backwardDigit Span test was conducted. In addition, the evaluation was also conducted for assessing primitive mathematical skill of children using TEDI-MATH. The results confirmed that Gesture Interactive Game-Based Learning (GIGL) used by the children exhibited a predominant improvement in the working memory and primitive mathematical skills on par with their usual school activities.</p>

Effect of acupuncture on cognitive task performance of college students: a pilot study.

Reduction in cognitive function of college students affects their academic recitation. Acupuncture is widely practiced for health promotion. Objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of acupuncture on cognitive task performance in college students. Sixty students aged 18-25 years were randomly allocated into acupuncture group (AG) (n=30) and control group (CG) (n=30). The AG underwent 20min of acupuncture/day, while the CG underwent their normal routine for 10days. Assessments were performed before and after the intervention. Between-group analysis showed a significant increase in the six-letter cancellation test (SLCT) score in AG compared with CG. Within-group analysis showed a significant increase in the scores of all tests (i.e. SLCT, forward and backward Digit span test [DST]) in AG, while a significant increase in backward DST was observed in CG. Acupuncture has a beneficial effect on improving the cognitive function of college students.

Neuropsychological factors related to progression of subjective cognitive decline

AbstractBackgroundIndividual with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) complains of cognitive decline on its own while cognitively normal. Current research suggests that SCD can indicate an at‐risk stage of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this study, we analyzed neuropsychological factors in SCD patients at a higher risk of progression to MCI.MethodThis retrospective cohort study included 68 patients who were confirmed with SCD after neuropsychological test. They were classified into progressive SCD group and stable SCD group according to whether they progressed to MCI within the follow‐up period. For both groups, neuropsychological tests including Seoul verbal language test, Boston naming test, Stroop color & word test, Rey complex figure test, and forward and backward digit span test were assessed.ResultWe collected neuropsychological data of 107 SCD individuals retrospectively, and 68 patients were followed up for a mean of 52.93 months (range 11–113 months). At follow‐up, 35.3% of patients showed cognitive decline to a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and defined as progressive SCD group (N=24), and the other patients (N=44) were as stable SCD group. Patients with progressive SCD were about 4 years older and more likely to have ischemic heart disease. Furthermore, they showed worse performance on a delayed recall and a recognition task from the Seoul Verbal Learning Test, and Boston naming test compared to those with stable SCD.ConclusionSCD patients with progression of MCI have a tendency of older age, higher rate of ischemic heart disease, and worse decline in memory and language ability. This study suggest that it is worth to consider SCD subtypes based on memory and language ability so that it is possible to detect a high‐risk group of MCI at the early stage.

How Do You Feel Now? The Salience Network Functional Connectivity in End-Stage Renal Disease.

ObjectiveThe network connectivity basis of cognitive declines in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) remains unclear. A triple-network model of the salience (SN), executive control, and default mode networks has been suggested to be critical for efficient cognition. Here, we aimed to test the hypothesis that SN may play a role in cognitive impairment in patients with ESRD.Materials and MethodsWe investigated functional connectivity (FC) alterations within the SN between 43 ESRD patients (19 females/24 males, 46 ± 10 years) and 43 healthy controls (HC) (19 females/24 males, 47 ± 10 years), and performed linear support vector machine (LSVM) analysis on significant FC pairs within the SN to discriminate the two groups, and tested the accuracy of the classifier. Association and mediation analyses were conducted among the significant FC pairs within the SN nodes, clinical indicators, and neuropsychological tests scores.ResultsWe identified significant between-group FC pairs within the SN and fairly good classification efficiency with significant accuracy (72.09%, p < 0.001). We found that FC between the right supramarginal gyrus and right anterior insula (AISL) was positively correlated with MoCA (r = 0.4010, p = 0.008); FC between the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and left AISL was positively correlated with the level of hemoglobin (r = 0.4979, p < 0.001). Mediation analysis found that the indirect effect of hemoglobin on forward digit span test scores via the FC between the dACC and right AISL (p < 0.05).ConclusionDisrupted SN connectivity may help explain cognitive declines in ESRD patients and act as a potential early biomarker. Moreover, the SN connectivity may interact with anemia to promote cognitive impairment.

Sonority-Related Novel Word Learning Ability of Children With Cochlear Implants With Optimal Oral Language Exposure.

The present study investigated how children with cochlear implants (CIs), with optimal exposure to oral language, perform on sonority-related novel word learning tasks. By optimal oral language exposure, we refer to bilateral cochlear implantation below the age of 2 years. Sonority is the relative perceptual prominence/loudness of speech sounds of the same length, stress, and pitch. The present study is guided by a previous study that investigated the sonority-related novel word learning ability of a group of children with CIs, in the Greek language, of which the majority were implanted beyond the age of 2 unilaterally. A case-control study with 15 Dutch-speaking participants in each of the three groups, i.e., children with CIs, normal-hearing children (NHC), and normal-hearing adults, was conducted using a sonority-related novel "CVC" word learning task. All children with CIs are implanted before the age of 2 years with preimplant hearing aids. Thirteen out of the 15 children had bilateral CIs. The CVC words were constructed according to four sonority conditions, where N is nonsonorous and S is a sonorous phoneme: NSN, NSS, SSN, and SSS. Outcome measures were accuracy and reaction times (RTs). In addition, the Peabody picture vocabulary test and the digit span forward test were administered to the children. There were no statistical differences in accuracy or RTs between the children groups on the overall score and across the different conditions. However, children with CIs, unlike NHC, scored statistically less accurately and with longer RTs relative to normal-hearing adults, on the overall task. Within-group comparisons showed that none of the groups performed statistically differently on any of the conditions. The NHC showed higher receptive vocabulary scores relative to children with CIs. In addition, the group of children with CIs entailed a statistically significantly higher number of children with "weak" short-term memory. Children with CIs who have optimal oral language exposure showed age-appropriate sonority-related novel word learning abilities and strategies relative to their NH peers. However, children with CIs continue to show lower receptive vocabulary scores than NHC, despite the equivalent novel word learning ability. This suggests that children with CIs may have difficulties in retaining newly learned words. Future work should look into possible causes of the gap in performance. This would eventually aid in rehabilitation tailored to the needs of the individual.

Changes of Mood and Cognitive Performance before and after a 100 km Nighttime Ultramarathon Run.

Ultramarathons are becoming an increasingly popular endurance sport. Year after year, the demands on athletes’ skills and endurance increase. Ultramarathons are particularly taxing on athletes’ psychological functioning. This study assessed the relationships between taking part in a nighttime ultramarathon and changes in mood and cognitive functioning. The study included 20 experienced runners aged 26–57 (M = 37.29; SD = 7.94) who had M = 7.08, SD = 5.41 (range 3–44) years of experience running. There were 18 men and 2 women. The mood states were measured twice, just before the start of the run and shortly after crossing the finish line, using the Polish version of the UMACL UWIST Mood Adjective Checklist by Mathews, Chamberlain, and Jones. To assess cognitive functioning, the Stroop Color and Word Test and “Forward digit span” subtest from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale were used. We observed statistically significant changes in the mood of the runners: tense arousal, associated with the experienced stress, was significantly higher before the run than immediately after the finish. Moreover, we observed an improvement in cognitive functioning after finishing the 100 km run on both of the trials on the Stroop color word test and on the forward digit span test.

Auditory sensory gating in Huffaz using an auditory brainstem response with a psychological task: A preliminary investigation

ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the auditory sensory gating capacity in Huffaz using an auditory brainstem response (ABR) test with and without psychological tasks. MethodsTwenty-three participants were recruited for this study. The participants were comprised of 11 Huffaz who memorized 30 chapters of the Islamic Scripture (from the Quran) and 12 non-Huffaz as the control group. All participants had normal hearing perception and underwent an ABR test with and without psychological tasks. The ABR was elicited at 70 dB nHL using a 3000 Hz tone burst stimulus with a 2-0-2 cycle at a stimulus repetition rate of 40 Hz. The ABR wave V amplitude and latencies were measured and statistically compared. A forward digit span test was also conducted to determine participants’ working memory capacity. ResultsThere were no significant differences in the ABR wave V amplitudes and latencies between Huffaz and non-Huffaz in ABR with and without psychological tasks. There were also no significant differences in the ABR wave V amplitudes and latencies in both groups of ABR with and without psychological tasks. In addition, no significant differences were identified in the digit span working memory score between both groups. ConclusionsIn this study, based on the ABR findings, Huffaz showed the same auditory sensory gating capacity as the non-Huffaz group. The ABR result was consistent with the digit span working memory test score. This finding implies that both groups have similar working memory performance. However, the conclusion is limited to the specific assessment method that we used in this study.

Reduced Brainstem Volume After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

The aims of this study were to investigate changes in regional brain volume after concussion (mild traumatic brain injury) and to examine the relationship between change in brain volume and cognitive deficits. Twenty-eight patients with mild traumatic brain injury and 27 age-matched controls were included in this study. Magnetic resonance imaging (3 T) data were obtained from the participants. Structural brain volume changes were examined using tensor-based morphometry, which identifies regional structural differences in the whole brain, including cerebrospinal fluid, gray matter, and white matter. Volume contraction and expansion were compared between groups using a two-sample t test. The association between time post-injury or neurocognitive function and volumetric changes was examined using regression analysis. Individuals with mild traumatic brain injury exhibited volume reduction in the brainstem, including the pontine reticular formation. Regional cerebral volume changes were not associated with time post-injury but were significantly associated with neurocognitive function, especially with executive card sorting test, forward digit span test, and performance on verbal learning test. The greater regional cerebral volume was associated with better cognitive performance after mild traumatic brain injury. Decreased brainstem volume may indicate its vulnerability to traumatic injury, and cerebral volume in specific regions was positively associated with patients' cognitive function after injury.

Correlation between haemoglobin levels and attention, concentration, learning and memory among older adult population in Chennai

The older adults constitute a considerable part of the Indian population and due to advancements in the Medical field this population is fast growing. With the current advancements in treatment modalities there is an increased life expectancy. Low haemoglobin level is a potential contributing factors for cognitive impairment in older adults.The present study focuses on correlation between haemoglobin levels and attention, concentration, learning and memory among older adult population in Chennai. The present study was conducted in Sri Ramachandra Hospital OPD, Porur, Chennai. A total of 304 older subjects were included in this study. Older adults of both male and female were selected from the OPD based on theInclusion criteria - Age [50 to 65 years] matched subjects were selected. The Digit Span test,a subtest from Wechsler Adult Intelligence scale is used to assess the subjects attention and concentration. Ray auditory and verbal learning test (RAVLT) is used to measure learning and memory. The digit span forward test in males is higher when compared with the females, this difference is statistically significant. (t= 9.669 and p=0.000). The digit span backward test in males is higher when compared with the females, this difference is statistically significant. (t= 9.669 and p=0.000).The digit AVLT trial test scores in males is higher when compared with the females, this difference is statistically significant. (p=0.000)All the scores of normal haemoglobin group were higher than the low haemoglobin group and the results were statistically significant. (p=0.000). In this study, we were able to observe that lower haemoglobin levels were associated with decreased cognitive functions in the domains of attention, concentration, learning and memory among older adult population in Chennai.

Web-Based Intervention Effects on Mild Cognitive Impairment Based on Apolipoprotein E Genotype: Quasi-Experimental Study

BackgroundApolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele is a major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer disease and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Computer-based training programs can improve cognitive performance in elderly populations. However, the effects of computer-based interventions on MCI APOE ε4 carriers have never been studied before.ObjectiveThe effects of different web-based interventions and the APOE isoform-specific differences in training outcomes are investigated.MethodsUsing a quasi-experimental study design, 202 participants with MCI aged 60 years and older took part in three different intervention programs (physical and cognitive [Long-Lasting Memories, or LLM], cognitive [Active Control, or AC], or physical intervention [Physical Training Control, or PTC]) via an innovative information and communication technologies exergaming platform. Participants in each interventional group were subdivided into APOE ε4 carriers and non–APOE ε4 carriers. All participants underwent an extensive neuropsychological evaluation before and after the training, blood tests, and brain imaging.ResultsAll interventions resulted in multiple statistically significant cognitive benefits after the intervention. Verbal learning (California Verbal Learning Test: immediate recall test score—LLM: P=.04; AC: P<.001), working memory (digit span forward and backward test scores—AC: P=.03; PTC: P=.02 and P=.006, respectively), and long-term memory (California Verbal Learning Test: delayed recall test score—LLM: P=.02; AC: P=.002; and PTC: P=.02) were improved. There was no statistically significant difference among the intervention effects. APOE ε4 presence moderates intervention effects as the LLM intervention improved only their task-switching processing speed (Trail Making Test, Part B: P=.03) and the PTC intervention improved only the working memory (digit span backward: P=.03). No significant performance alteration was noted for the APOE ε4+ cognitive AC training group.ConclusionsNone of the applied interventions could be identified as the optimal one; it is suggested, however, that combined cognitive and physical training and physical training via exergaming may be more effective for the high-risk MCI ΑPOE ε4+ subgroup.

Serum alkaline phosphatase is elevated and inversely correlated with cognitive functions in subjective cognitive decline: results from the ReGAl 2.0 project.

Alkaline phosphatase has been found on neuronal membranes and plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity increases during brain injury and cerebrovascular diseases, suggesting that its levels may reflect the neuronal loss. It is known that ALP is higher in subjects affected by Alzheimer's dementia and inversely correlated with cognitive functions. No study has investigated the relationship between ALP and cognitive functions in old-age subject with pre-clinical cognitive impairment. This is a cross-sectional study with data gathered from the ReGAl 2.0 project (Rete Geriatrica Alzheimer-Geriatric Network on Alzheimer's disease), a large Italian multicentric clinical-based study. A cohort of 209 old-age subjects healthy controls (HC), Subjective cognitive decline (SCD), and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) was included in the study. Cognitive performances were assessed with a large neuropsychological battery. The same day, serum alkaline phosphatase activity was measured in all subjects. We found that the SCD group had significantly higher ALP levels as compared with HC (p = 0.001). Among all neuropsychological tests, in all population ALP levels negatively correlated with scores at attentional matrices (r = - 0.243, p = 0.002), Digit Span Forward (r = - 0.241, p = 0.003) and Letter Fluency Test (r = - 0.196, p = 0.044). Attentional Matrices (r = - 0.208, p = 0.014) and Letter Fluency Test (r = - 0.229, p = 0.019) remained significantly correlated with ALP even after controlling for gender. In the SCD group, only the Attentional Matrices significantly and negatively correlated with ALP (r = - 0.344 p = 0.035), while no significant correlations were found in HC or MCI. Results indicate that serum alkaline phosphatase activity is increased in SCD and inversely correlates with cognitive functions. Further studies are needed to investigate the role of ALP in the progression to AD.

The effects of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on working memory in the elderly with normal cognitive impairments

Aim of the studyReduced cognitive function is one of the problems caused by aging, which leads to reduced performance of the elderly. This is a study to evaluate the effects of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on working memory in the elderly with normal cognitive impairments.Subject or material and methodsIn this clinical trial, 45 elderlies participating in a self-care educational course in Zahedan, Iran, in 2016, were assigned into three groups of F3, F4, and sham stimulation. From all the participants, 2-back, forward and backward digit span, and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) tests were taken.ResultsThe three groups showed no significant difference in the mean score of 2-back test at different time points.The three groups showed no significant difference in mean score of backward digit span test at different time points. The mean score of backward digit span test was significantly higher in the F3 group after the intervention.DiscussionDiscussion: The results of this study indicate that the score changes in the 2-back and the forward digit span tests were significant only in the F3 group. Also, the F4 group showed a significant difference at all the time points after the intervention, compared to before the intervention, but this change was less than that in the F3 group.ConclusionsThis study shows that tDCS can improve working memory performance via F3method. The tDCS can cause working memory improvement and naming facilitation by stimulation.

Neurobehavioral performance of PAH exposure in male coal miners in Shanxi, China: a cross-sectional study.

Coal miners are exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a group of neurotoxicants formed and released during incomplete combustion of coal. High levels of anxiety and depression have been reported in coal miners, but little is known about neurobehavioral functions in populations that are occupationally exposed to PAHs. We tested neurobehavioral performance in coal miners and correlated it with levels of urinary markers of PAH exposure. Levels of urinary PAH metabolites were measured in 652 male coal miners as an indicator of exposure. Subjects were divided into a high-exposure group and a low-exposure group based on the median level of total PAH metabolites. A neurobehavioral core test battery and a questionnaire were used to assess neurobehavioral performance and collect demographic information, respectively. The median level of total PAH metabolites in urine was 4.88μmol/mol creatinine. Highly exposed workers exhibited more fatigue-inertia than less-exposed workers (p < 0.05), and had lower scores in forward digit span, digit symbol, and Benton visual retention tests (p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression indicated that age, education, and shift work were significantly correlated with test scores. PAH exposure may be associated with neurobehavioral alterations, which should be monitored in coal miners to prevent neurobehavioral disorders.

Tau PET and relative cerebral blood flow in dementia with Lewy bodies: A PET study

PurposeAlpha-synuclein often co-occurs with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology in Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB). From a dynamic [18F]flortaucipir PET scan we derived measures of both tau binding and relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF). We tested whether regional tau binding or rCBF differed between DLB patients and AD patients and controls and examined their association with clinical characteristics of DLB. MethodsEighteen patients with probable DLB, 65 AD patients and 50 controls underwent a dynamic 130-minute [18F]flortaucipir PET scan. DLB patients with positive biomarkers for AD based on cerebrospinal fluid or amyloid PET were considered as DLB with AD pathology (DLB-AD+). Receptor parametric mapping (cerebellar gray matter reference region) was used to extract regional binding potential (BPND) and R1, reflecting (AD-specific) tau pathology and rCBF, respectively. First, we performed regional comparisons of [18F]flortaucipir BPND and R1 between diagnostic groups. In DLB patients only, we performed regression analyses between regional [18F]flortaucipir BPND, R1 and performance on ten neuropsychological tests. ResultsRegional [18F]flortaucipir BPND in DLB was comparable with tau binding in controls (p > 0.05). Subtle higher tau binding was observed in DLB-AD+ compared to DLB-AD- in the medial temporal and parietal lobe (both p < 0.05). Occipital and lateral parietal R1 was lower in DLB compared to AD and controls (all p < 0.01). Lower frontal R1 was associated with impaired performance on digit span forward (standardized beta, stβ = 0.72) and category fluency (stβ = 0.69) tests. Lower parietal R1 was related to lower delayed (stβ = 0.50) and immediate (stβ = 0.48) recall, VOSP number location (stβ = 0.70) and fragmented letters (stβ = 0.59) scores. Lower occipital R1 was associated to worse performance on VOSP fragmented letters (stβ = 0.61), all p < 0.05. ConclusionThe amount of tau binding in DLB was minimal and did not differ from controls. However, there were DLB-specific occipital and lateral parietal relative cerebral blood flow reductions compared to both controls and AD patients. Regional rCBF, but not tau binding, was related to cognitive impairment. This indicates that assessment of rCBF may give more insight into disease mechanisms in DLB than tau PET.

Association between Body Mass Index and Cognitive Functions in Medical Students

Introduction: There is a widespread prevalence of obesity and growing evidence suggests its possible adverse effect on cognitive functions. Hence, it is important to study the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and Cognitive Functions. Aim: The aim of this study was to find out the association between BMI and cognitive functions in medical students. The present study also determined whether there are any gender based difference of association of BMI and cognitive functions. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done at Cognitive function test Laboratory of Dr. Vasantrao Pawar Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Nashik between July and December 2016. Study was done on randomly selected medical undergraduate students (50 male and 50 females) of 18-25 years age group. Height and weight were recorded and subjects were divided into 3 groups based on BMI (in kg/m2) as: Underweight (BMI &lt;18.5 kg/m2), Normal weight (BMI 18.5-25 kg/m2) and Overweight (BMI &gt;25 kg/m2). In all the above BMI groups, four domains of cognitive functions were assessed i.e., attention, perception, executive functions and working memory using Visual and Auditory Reaction Time (VRT and ART) and Go/No-Go VRT and ART; Fast Counting (FC); Eriksen Flanker Test (EFT) and Stroop Test (ST) and Visual Forward (VFDS) and Backward Digit Span (VBDS) test, respectively. The data was statistically analysed and different cognitive function tests were compared in various categories of BMI (viz., underweight, normal and overweight) using ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests. Gender based association of BMI and cognitive functions were also assessed. The data was analysed statistically using SPSS version 16.0 and p-value &lt;0.05 was considered to be significant. Results: On comparing the cognitive functions with BMI, it was found that when whole study population was considered, the difference in time taken by subjects of different BMI categories to give response in VBDS test was found to be statistically significant (p=0.007). When the gender differences were analysed, it was found that in males, the time taken to give response to stimuli with interference (ST) in various BMI categories was statistically significant (p=0.004) and in females, the time taken to give response in VBDS test in various BMI categories was found to be statistically significant (p=0.024). The correlation between the reciprocal of time taken to give response in ST and VBDS and BMI was a weak positive correlation (0.3 &lt; r &lt; 0.5). Conclusion: A weak positive correlation was found between BMI and reciprocal of time taken to give response to stimulus with interference in males and BMI and reciprocal of time taken to give response in VBDS Test in Females.

Deepwater Horizon oil spill exposures and neurobehavioral function in GuLF study participants

IntroductionThe 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DWH) disaster exposed tens of thousands of oil spill response and cleanup (OSRC) workers to hydrocarbons and other hazardous chemicals. Some hydrocarbons, such as toluene and hexane, have been found to have acute adverse effects on the central nervous system in occupational settings. However, no studies have examined the association between oil spill exposures and neurobehavioral function. MethodsWe used data from the Gulf Long-term Follow-up Study, a cohort of adults who worked on the DWH response and cleanup. Total hydrocarbon (THC) exposure attributed to oil spill cleanup work was estimated from a job-exposure matrix linking air measurement data to detailed cleanup work histories. Participants were also categorized into 6 job categories, or OSRC classes, based on their activity with the highest exposure. Neurobehavioral performance was assessed at a clinical exam 4–6 years after the spill. We used multivariable linear regression to evaluate relationships of ordinal THC levels and OSRC classes with 16 neurobehavioral outcomes. ResultsWe found limited evidence of associations between THC levels or OSRC classes and decreased neurobehavioral function, including attention, memory, and executive function. Workers exposed to ≥3 ppm THC scored significantly worse (difference1.0–2.9ppm = -0.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.74, −0.04) than workers exposed to <0.30 ppm THC for the digit span forward count test. There was also a possible threshold effect above 1 ppm THC for symbol digit test total errors (difference1.0–2.9ppm = −0.56 (95% CI = −1.13, −0.003), difference≥3.0ppm = −0.55 (95% CI = −1.20, 0.10)). Associations appeared to be stronger in men than in women. A summary latency measure suggested an association between more highly exposed jobs (especially support of operations workers) and decreased neurobehavioral function. ConclusionOSRC-related exposures were associated with modest decreases in neurobehavioral function, especially attention, memory, and executive function.

Age-Related Eye Disease and Cognitive Function: The Search for Mediators

Age-related eye disease may be associated with cognitive decline, but the scientific literature has not been consistent. Furthermore, no studies have been able to explain the relationship. Our objective was to assess whether older adults with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or glaucoma performed worse on 6 cognitive tests compared with older adults with normal vision and, if so, to understand why. Cross-sectional analysis of hospital-based study (Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Ophthalmology Clinics, Montréal, Canada). Three hundred thirty-six adults 65 years of age or older with either AMD, glaucoma, or normal vision. Cognition was measured with 6 cognitive tests administered orally. Activity levels were measured using the Victoria Longitudinal Study Activity Lifestyle Questionnaire. Visual acuity and visual field were measured. Multiple linear regression was used. Mediation was assessed using structural equation modeling. Results of the verbal fluency test (animal and letter versions), the digit span test (forward and backward versions), and the logical memory test (immediate and delayed recall). People with glaucoma showed lower scores on 3 cognitive tests than the group with normal vision: the digit span forward and backward tests (β= -0.8 [95% confidence interval (CI), -1.5 to -0.2] and β= -0.7 [95% CI, -1.3 to -0.1], respectively) and the logical memory test with immediate recall (β= -1.3 [95% CI, -2.4 to -0.2]). Activity levels statistically significantly mediated the relationship between glaucoma and the digit span forward test (P= 0.043; percentage of the total effect mediated, 17%). People with glaucoma showed lower scores on cognitive tests that may depend on verbal working memory and encoding. If confirmed in longitudinal studies, interventions should be developed that are appropriate for a visually impaired population to slow this cognitive decline.

Diffusion Imaging Biomarkers of Corpus Callosum Injury and Dose-Dependent Volumetric Changes Correlate with Attention and Processing Speed Changes after Brain Radiotherapy

Attention and processing speed are core cognitive functions subserved by the corpus callosum (CC), a critical white matter structure. We hypothesized that CC volume changes and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) biomarkers of CC injury would correlate with changes in attention and processing speed function after brain radiotherapy (RT). We prospectively studied 29 patients with primary brain tumors who received fractionated RT. Patients underwent formal neuropsychological testing and high resolution volumetric MRI with DWI (b-values 0, 500, 1500 s/mm2 fit to single tensor) prior to and 6 months post RT. Auditory attention was measured with the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV) Digit Span Forward test; processing speed was measured with the Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System Trail Making number sequencing (TM-NS) and letter sequencing (TM-LS) subtests. Reliable change indices accounting for practice effects (RCI-PE) were calculated to determine 0-6 month change on each measure. Image processing at each time point included auto-segmentation with volume calculations of regions of interest (ROIs): the entire CC and anterior, mid-anterior, central, mid-posterior, and posterior subdivisions. Tumor, tumor bed, edema, and segmentation errors were censored. DWI biomarkers including mean diffusivity (MD, increases with injury) and fractional anisotropy (FA, decreases with injury) were calculated. Mean dose to each ROI was determined. One sample t-tests (H0=0) were performed to determine significant group cognitive decline. Pearson correlation coefficients evaluated the relationship between RCI-PEs and clinical variables, dose, changes in volume, MD, and FA. Statistical significance was set at α=0.05. Processing speed (TM-LS) significantly declined 6-months post-RT (mean change -0.472, p = 0.003). Age and years of education did not influence attention or processing speed changes. Significant dose-dependent atrophy was seen in the mid-anterior (r = -0.432, p = 0.024), mid-posterior (r = -0.408, p = 0.031), and posterior CC (r = -0.600, p = 0.001). Smaller mid-anterior CC volume was associated with worse processing speed (TM-LS, r = 0.424, p = 0.031). Decreased FA in the anterior CC was associated with worse attention (digits forward, r = 0.401, p = 0.038) and decreased FA in the posterior CC was correlated with worse processing speed (TM-LS, r = 0.444, p = 0.02). Increased MD in the anterior CC (r = -0.386, p = 0.046) was correlated with worse attention (digits forward). In this prospective study, dose-dependent atrophy of CC subdivisions was seen after fractionated brain RT. Microstructural damage, including atrophy and white matter injury, within CC subdivisions was significantly associated with worse attention and processing speed. Damage to this critical structure is highly implicated in attention/processing speed changes after brain RT.

Comparison of Intelligence based on Short-term Memory Test between Urban and Rural Children

Background : Cognitive development occurs during childhood and this development is influenced by various environmental factors such as urban and rural environments which can affect child cognitive development. Short-term memory is very important as the first step in processing new information to do cognitive tasks. The aim of this study was to compare the short-term memory of children coming from an urban and rural area. Methods : A cross-sectional design was performed in this observational analytical study, conducted from September to October 2014 in Jatinangor. Students from elementary school students in an urban and rural area in Jatinangor were selected, using a stratified random sampling method. The Digit Span Forward, Backward, and Symbol Digit Modality Test (SDMT) were used to measure short-term memory. Mann-Whitney test and independent T-test were used in this research. Results : There was no significant difference in Digit Span Forward score between urban and rural boys (p=0.564); and girls group (p=0.982). On the contrary, Digit Span Backward score among urban boys (p=0.007) and urban girls (p=0.006) was significantly higher compared to those living in the rural areas. Similarly, a significantly higher score of SDMT in the urban areas was found compared to rural for boys (p=0.011) and girls (p=0.026). Conclusions : Intelligence based on a short-term memory test, consisting of Digit Span Backward and Symbol Digit Modality Test, is higher in urban children compared to children in the rural areas.

The Effect of Fatigue on Working Memory and Auditory Perceptual Abilities in Trained Musicians.

Purpose Many perceptual processing processes, such as cognition, vision, sensation, and audition, are affected due to fatigue. Musicians are prone to fatigue because of long working hours and demanding profession. The research on assessing working memory abilities in musicians is heterogeneous, as none of the studies has controlled the effect of fatigue. This study was thus designed to assess the effect of fatigue on working memory and auditory perception in trained instrumental musicians. Method Twenty-six trained instrumental musicians and 25 nonmusicians participated in this study. The effect of fatigue was assessed by administering the working memory and auditory perception tests in prefatigue and postfatigue conditions. The fatigue was assessed using a 100-point visual analog scale. The working memory was assessed using Operation Span, Reading Span, and Digit Span (Forward and Backward) tests (Knutson et al., 1991). Auditory perception was assessed using speech-perception-in-noise and temporal integration tests. Results Working memory and speech perception were affected due to fatigue. Musicians, despite having better working memory abilities than nonmusicians, are equally prone to fatigue-related distress. Conclusion The advantage of music training for the working memory abilities may be reduced due to fatigue; hence, measures to reduce fatigue should be employed by the musicians. Fatigue should also be treated as a variable in all future research related to assess cognitive processing in musicians.