Judgment Of Line Orientation Test Research Articles

Associations between neurological soft signs, executive functions, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in boys with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

To determine the association between neurological soft signs, executive functions, and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Serum BDNF levels were measured in 87 drug-naive boys with ADHD, aged 7-12 years. The Revised Physical and Neurological Examination for Subtle Signs for neurological soft signs, Stroop Color-Word Test for attention functions, and Judgment of Line Orientation Test (JLOT) for visuospatial abilities were performed. Age correlated negatively with dysrhythmia, total time, and total overflow in timed movements, Stroop Color-Word Time (SCWT), and serum BDNF levels. The JLOT significantly negatively correlated with Total Gaits and Stations (P1) and Total Time in Timed Movements (adjusted R 2 = 0.247). In addition, SCWT maintained a significant correlation with Total Overflow in Timed Movements (adjusted R 2 = 0.206). There was no correlation between serum BDNF levels and NSS. The association between NSS, visuospatial abilities, and selective attention may express a maturational delay in ADHD pathophysiology. Moreover, BDNF may play a role in this maturational delay. Future studies should investigate the contribution of BDNF to neuronal maturation in ADHD.

The impact of Toxocara-seropositivity on attention and motor skills in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

BackgroundThe study aims to compare neurological soft signs and executive functions between Toxocara-seropositive and seronegative groups in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. MethodsThe study included 60 boys with ADHD, aged 7–12. After blood samples were taken, the Stroop Color Word Test and Judgment of Line Orientation test (JLOT) were implemented to measure executive functions. Neurological soft signs were evaluated with Physical and Neurological Examination for Subtle Signs (PANESS). ResultsSerological tests were positive for Toxocara antibodies in 20 cases. There was no significant difference between Toxocara seropositive and seronegative regarding age, socioeconomic status, developmental stages, and ADHD severity. However, Toxocara-seropositive children had higher Stroop time and Stroop interference scores and lower JLOT scores than Toxocara-seronegative children. Furthermore, Toxocara-seropositive children exhibited more neurological soft signs, such as gait and station abnormalities, dysrhythmia, and a longer total time in timed movements compared to Toxocara-seronegative children. ConclusionOur study indicates a link between Toxocara-seropositivity and impaired neurological soft signs and executive functions in ADHD. Further research is needed to understand ADHD mechanisms, develop practical treatments considering immunological factors, and thoroughly evaluate how Toxocara seropositivity affects executive functions and motor skills in children with ADHD.

Neurocognitive functions in siblings of patients with bipolar disorder

ObjectivesSome studies suggest that there are deficits in neurocognitive functions in the euthymic phase of bipolar disorder and healthy relatives of patients with bipolar disorder and that these neurocognitive disorders may be the endophenotype for bipolar disorder. This study aimed to evaluate the neurocognitive functions of unaffected siblings of patients with bipolar disorder compared with the healthy controls. MethodsThe study included the unaffected siblings of patients with bipolar disorder (n = 75) and healthy volunteers without a family history of bipolar disorder (n = 50). The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-I) was administered to each individual to investigate the diagnosis of Axis-I psychiatric disorders according to DSM-IV. The Judgment of Line Orientation Test, the Auditory Verbal Learning Test, the Serial Digit Learning Test, the Stroop Color Word Test, and the Trail Making Test were used to evaluate neurocognitive functions. ResultsOur study found no difference between the groups regarding processing speed, set-shifting, and mental flexibility. However, unaffected siblings of patients with bipolar disorder had significantly worse performance than healthy controls in verbal learning and memory, response inhibition, and visuospatial function. ConclusionsThis study suggests that visuospatial function, response inhibition, verbal learning, and memory may be endophenotypic markers for bipolar disorder.

Exploring the Association Between Physical Activity and Cognitive Function Among People Living with Dementia.

Physical activity preserves cognitive function in people without dementia, but the relationship between physical activity and cognitive domains among people living with dementia is unclear. The objective of this study was to explore the association between physical activity and cognition domains among people living with dementia. Participants living with dementia in residential care facilities (complete case analysis: n = 24/42) completed a battery of cognitive tests (global cognition: Montreal Cognitive Assessment; executive function: Trail-Making Test, Digit Span Forward Test; perception and orientation: Benton Judgement of Line Orientation Test; language: Boston Naming Test; learning and memory: Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test; complex attention: Digit Symbol Substitution Test). Participants wore an actigraphy monitor on their non-dominant wrist over seven days. We conducted a linear regression for total physical activity (independent variable) with race (white/black), fall risk (Morse Fall Scale), and the number of comorbidities (Functional Comorbidities Index) as covariates, and cognitive tests as variables of interest. Participants were primarily male (75%), white (87.5%), and 50%had unspecified dementia (Alzheimer's disease: 33%). Greater physical activity was associated with poorer global cognition, better executive function, and better learning and memory (ps < 0.05). Physical activity was not related to visuospatial perception, language, or complex attention. Physical activity may preserve executive function and learning and memory among people living with dementia. Wandering is more common in later stages of dementia, which may explain greater physical activity observed with lower global cognition. Regularly assessing physical activity may be useful in screening and monitoring cognitive changes.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SEDENTARY BEHAVIOR AND COGNITIVE DOMAINS AMONG PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

Abstract Greater sedentary behavior negatively impacts cognition among older adults without dementia; however, the relationship between sedentary behavior and cognitive domains among people living with dementia (PWD) is unclear. Our aim was to explore the association between sedentary behavior and cognitive domains in PWD in residential care facilities. The testing took place at one nursing home (n=15/23), one memory care unit (n=4/23), and one assisted living facility (n=4/23). Participants completed a battery of cognitive tests (global cognition: Montreal Cognitive Assessment; executive function: Trail Making test, Digit Span Backwards Test; perception and orientation: Benton Judgment of Line Orientation Test; language: Boston Naming Test; learning and memory: Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test; complex attention: Digit Symbol Substitution Test). We used the Morse Fall Scale to measure fall risk. Participants wore an actigraphy monitor on their wrist over seven days to measure sedentary behavior. Most participants were male (74%), white (87%), and had unspecified dementia (48%). Participants were sedentary for 8.0±2.7 hours/day. The regression model for sedentary behavior was significant (R2=0.82, F(10, 12)=5.39, RMSE=92.47, p&amp;lt; 0.05). Greater sedentary behavior was associated with poorer language function (β=-0.82, p=0.02), poorer learning and memory (β=-0.82, p=0.002), and greater fall risk (β=-0.43, p=0.03). Sedentary behavior was not associated with the other cognitive domains. Greater sedentary behavior may indicate a decline in language function, learning and memory, and increase fall risk in PWD. Sedentary behavior should be considered in routine assessments, as it may play an important role in monitoring cognitive decline in PWD in residential care facilities.

EXPLORING THE ASSOCIATION OF SLEEP WITH COGNITIVE DOMAINS AMONG PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

Abstract People living with dementia (PWD) commonly experience sleep disruptions, which impacts mental alertness, increases daytime sleepiness, and results in poorer quality of life. While sleep preserves cognitive function among PWD, the relationship between sleep and different cognitive domains is unclear. Our objective was to explore the association between sleep and cognition domains among PWD. Twenty-three PWD completed a battery of cognitive tests (global cognition: Montreal Cognitive Assessment; executive function: Trail-Making Test (TMT), Digit Span Forward Test; perception and orientation: Benton Judgement of Line Orientation Test (BJLO); language: Boston Naming Test; learning and memory: Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test; complex attention: Digit Symbol Substitution Test) at two residential care facilities. Participants wore a motion watch on their wrist for 7 days to monitor sleep. Participants were primarily male (74%), white (87%), and 48% had unspecified dementia. The average number of hours of sleep per night was 4.6±1.2 hours. The overall regression model for sleep was significant (R2=0.80, F(10,12)=4.68, RMSE=42.32, p&amp;lt; 0.05). More sleep was associated with better perception and orientation (BJLO:β=0.57, p=0.03), greater sleep efficiency (β=0.93, p=0.01), longer wake after sleep onset (β=1.19, p 0.002), and there was a trend for better executive function (TMT:β=-0.34, p=0.09). PWD have inadequate sleep. Greater amounts of sleep seem to preserve perception and orientation and may play a protective role for executive function, but more evidence is needed. Regularly assessing sleep may be useful in screening and monitoring cognitive changes among PWD in residential care facilities.

INVESTIGATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HABITUAL ACTIVITY AND COGNITIVE DOMAINS AMONG PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

Abstract Habitual activity preserves cognitive function in people without dementia, but the relationship between habitual activity and cognitive domains among people living with dementia is unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the association between habitual activity and cognition domains among people living with dementia. Participants living with dementia in residential care facilities (complete case analysis: n=24/42) completed a battery of cognitive tests (global cognition: Montreal Cognitive Assessment; executive function: Trail-Making Test, Digit Span Forward Test; perception and orientation: Benton Judgement of Line Orientation Test; language: Boston Naming Test; learning and memory: Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test; complex attention: Digit Symbol Substitution Test). Participants wore an actigraphy monitor on their non-dominant wrist over seven days. We conducted a linear regression for total habitual activity (independent variable) with race (white/black), fall risk (Morse Fall Scale), and the number of comorbidities (Functional Comorbidities Index) as covariates, and cognitive tests as variables of interest. Participants were primarily male (75%), white (87.5%), and 50% had unspecified dementia (Alzheimer’s disease: 33%). Greater habitual activity was associated with poorer global cognition, better executive function, and better learning and memory (ps&amp;lt; 0.05). Habitual activity was not related to visuospatial perception, language, or complex attention. Habitual activity may preserve executive function and learning and memory among people living with dementia. Wandering is more common in later stages of dementia, which may explain greater habitual activity observed with lower global cognition. Regularly assessing habitual activity may be useful in screening and monitoring cognitive changes.

Eye movements during the judgment of line orientation test in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and amnestic mild cognitive impairment

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by early impairment of memory. However, recent studies have revealed early abnormalities in other cognitive functions, such as visuospatial functions, the ability to process visual information, and visuospatial attention. The Judgment of Line Orientation (JLO) is a neuropsychological test commonly used to measure visuoperceptual and visuospatial abilities. Eye movements are a practical method for assessing cognitive processes during visual tasks. This study aimed to investigate eye movement patterns during the JLO test in AD and amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI).MethodThe study sample consisted of 16 patients with AD (mean age 72.2±7.9 years), 34 patients with aMCI (mean age 70.3±6.5 years), and 37 HC (mean age 67.7±6.7 years). Eye movements during the 30‐item Benton JLO test were recorded with the EyeLink 1000 Plus. Fixation duration (FD), the response time (RT), and the total number of correct and incorrect responses were calculated.ResultThe mean of JLO scores was significantly lower in aMCI and AD than in HCs (p&lt;0.001). In the correct responses, Patients with AD had a statistically significantly less FD on the test lines compared HCs (p = 0.019). Moreover, FD on the reference lines of correct responses was significantly decreased in AD (p = 0.006) and aMCI (p = 0.016) compared to HCs. In the incorrect responses, FD on the test lines was significantly increased in aMCI (p = 0.009) and AD (p = 0.008) compared to the HCs. The FD on the reference lines of the incorrect responses was increased in AD (p = 0.021) and aMCI (p = 0.013) groups compared to HCs. Additionally, AD (p = 0.001) and aMCI (p = 0.004) groups showed significantly increased RT in incorrect responses compared to HCs.ConclusionThis study showed that the AD and aMCI groups looked at visual stimuli with less fixation duration than HCs. The patient groups looked at the target for a longer time in incorrectly answered trials and had a delay in making decisions. The findings may indicate difficulties in visual‐spatial processing and visual‐attention deficit in these patient groups and provide insight into the underlying cognitive processes involved in visual perception in AD and MCI.

Similarities and differences in cognition as a function of sex: A longitudinal study of healthy control participants from the Parkinson Progression Markers Initiative

AbstractBackgroundAs the global population of older adults continues to rise, there is an urgent need to understand the expected cognitive changes in healthy aging. Despite sex‐based differences in life expectancy and age‐related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, limited research has explicitly examined sex differences in aging. The objective of the current study was to answer three primary questions using longitudinal data for sample of healthy adults: 1) How does cognition change over time? 2) What are the sex differences in cognition? and 3) What are the sex differences in rates of cognitive change over time?MethodLongitudinal data from the healthy control group of the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative was used to examine cognitive changes in healthy adult males (n = 125, mean age = 61.61, SD = 10.97) and females (n = 68, mean age = 59.44, SD = 11.56). Participants underwent annual neuropsychological testing for up to five years. A series of 2‐level linear mixed models estimated within‐person change in cognition over time (i.e., level‐1) and between‐group differences in longitudinal change trajectories as predicted by sex (i.e., level 2). Each neuropsychological measure was modeled separately as a single outcome variable, for a total of seven models.ResultStability in neuropsychological scores was seen over five years. At baseline, males scored higher on the Benton Judgement of Line Orientation Test, while females scored higher on the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, the Semantic Fluency Test, and the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test‐Revised. Rates of cognitive change over time did not significantly differ by sex. Higher age and lower education at baseline predicted lower neuropsychological scores.ConclusionStability in cognition was found across five years in a sample healthy control participants from a large multi‐site longitudinal study. Sex differences in cognition were found in several domains, including visuospatial ability, processing speed, verbal fluency, and verbal memory. However, rates of cognitive change over time did not significantly differ by sex. Higher age and lower education were predictive of lower cognitive functioning. Great intraindividual variability in cognitive trajectories was observed. Future research should continue to examine factors that predict individual trajectories of aging in healthy individuals.

Normative Data for the Judgment of Line Orientation Test (Long and Short Forms) in the Quebec-French Population Aged between 50 and 89Years.

The Judgment of Line Orientation (JLO) Test of Benton assesses visuospatial processing without requiring motor skills. The test is frequently used in geriatric or brain-injured populations. As with other cognitive tests, performance on the JLO test may vary according to age, level of education, sex, and cultural background of individuals. The present study aimed to establish normative data for a short (15 items) and a long (30 items) form of the JLO. The sample for the short and long forms comprised 198 and 260 individuals, respectively, aged 50-89years. All participants were French-speaking people from the province of Quebec, Canada. Using regression-based norming, the effects of age, years of formal education, and sex on JLO performance were estimated. The normative adjustment of the JLO short and long forms considered the weight of each predictor on test performance. Results indicated that JLO performance was positively associated with years of formal education and male sex, whereas it was negatively associated with age. Accordingly, normative data were generated using Z-scores and adjusted scaled scores derived from the regression equations. To conclude, the present norms will ease the detection of visuospatial impairment in French-Quebec middle-aged and older adults.

Unlocking potential: low frequency subthalamic nucleus stimulation enhances executive function in Parkinson's disease patients with postural instability/gait disturbance.

Postural instability/gait disturbance (PIGD) is very common in advanced Parkinson's disease, and associated with cognitive dysfunction. Research suggests that low frequency (5-12 Hz) subthalamic nucleus-deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) could improve cognition in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the clinical effectiveness of low frequency stimulation in PIGD patients has not been explored. This study was designed in a double-blinded randomized cross-over manner, aimed to verify the effect of low frequency STN-DBS on cognition of PIGD patients. Twenty-nine PIGD patients with STN-DBS were tested for cognitive at off (no stimulation), low frequency (5 Hz), and high frequency (130 Hz) stimulation. Neuropsychological tests included the Stroop Color-Word Test (SCWT), Verbal fluency test, Symbol Digital Switch Test, Digital Span Test, and Benton Judgment of Line Orientation test. For conflict resolution of executive function, low frequency stimulation significantly decreased the completion time of SCWT-C (p = 0.001) and Stroop interference effect (p < 0.001) compared to high frequency stimulation. However, no significant differences among stimulation states were found for other cognitive tests. Here we show, low frequency STN-DBS improved conflict resolution of executive function compared to high frequency. Our results demonstrated the possibility of expanding the treatment coverage of DBS to cognitive function in PIGD, which will facilitate integration of low frequency stimulation into future DBS programming.

Visuo-spatial processing is linked to cortical glutamate dynamics in Parkinson's disease - a 7-T functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy study.

Cognitive decline is a frequent and debilitating non-motor symptom for patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Metabolic alterations in the occipital cortex during visual processing may serve as a biomarker for cognitive decline in patients with PD. Sixteen patients with PD (Unified Parkinson'sDisease Rating Scale Part 3, OFF, 38.69 ± 17.25) and 10 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC) underwent 7-Tfunctional magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) utilizing a visual checkerboard stimulation. Glutamate metabolite levels during rest versus stimulation were compared. Furthermore, correlates of the functional MRS response with performance in visuo-cognitive tests were investigated. No differences in static MRS between patients with PD and HC were detected, but a dynamic glutamate response was observed in functional MRS in HC upon visual stimulation, which was blunted in patients with PD (F1,22 = 7.13, p = 0.014; = 0.245). A diminished glutamate response correlated with poorer performance in the Benton Judgment of Line Orientation test in PD (r = -0.57, p = 0.020). Our results indicate that functional MRS captures even subtle differences in neural processing linked to the behavioral performance, which would have been missed by conventional, static MRS. Functional MRS thus represents a promising tool for studying molecular alterations at high sensitivity. Its prognostic potential should be evaluated in longitudinal studies, prospectively contributing to earlier diagnosis and individual treatment decisions.

Cognitive functions in episodic vestibular disorders: Meniere's disease and vestibular migraine.

Cognitive deficits have been defined in patients with bilateral and unilateral vestibular loss. To investigate cognitive functions in patients with episodic vestibular disorders. Nineteen patients with Meniere's disease (MD), 19 patients with vestibular migraine (VM) and 21 age and education matched healthy controls were studied. Mini Mental State Examination assessing global mental status, Reading Span Test and the Stroop Test evaluating working memory, cognitive processing, reading comprehension and attention, Trail Making Test and Benton's Judgment of Line Orientation Test investigating visual processing, visuospatial skills, processing speed were used. Beck depression and anxiety inventories were given to evaluate the emotional status. Cognitive test results of the MD and VM patients were not significantly different from the healthy controls (p > 0.05) as well as Beck depression scores (p = 0.14). Beck anxiety scores showed significant difference (p = 0.003). VM patients had significantly higher scores than the healthy controls (p = 0.002) on pairwise comparisons. The scores of the MD patients did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.15). Episodic vestibular disorders like MD and VM without inter-ictal vestibular deficits do not seem to be associated with cognitive impairment. Patients with VM have significantly higher anxiety scores than the healthy controls and MD patients.

Impact of Cognitive Impairments on Health-Related Quality of Life in Schizophrenia.

The impact of cognitive impairments on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in individuals with schizophrenia is unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the association between cognitive impairments and HRQoL in individuals with schizophrenia. A total of 609 individuals with schizophrenia were assessed on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and a neurocognitive battery which comprised of the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence matrix reasoning, the Benton Judgment of Line Orientation Test, Continuous Performance Tests-Identical Pairs, and the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia. A cognitive factor g was derived from the neurocognitive battery. EuroQol five-dimensional (EQ-5D-5L) utility scores were derived from PANSS scores via a previously validated algorithm and used as a measure of HRQoL. Hierarchical multiple regression was conducted to examine the association between cognitive factor g and the EQ-5D-5L. Cognitive factor g (β = 0.189, t = 4.956, p < 0.001) was found to be significantly associated with EQ-5D-5L scores. Age (β = -0.258, t = -6.776, p < 0.001), sex (β = 0.081, t = 2.117, p = 0.035), and being employed (β = 0.091, t = 2.317, p = 0.021) were also significant predictors of EQ-5D-5L. Our results add to the extant literature on the burden cognitive impairments exact in individuals with schizophrenia. More research is needed to develop effective interventions for cognitive impairments in schizophrenia.

Comparison of neuropsychological tests performance of the individuals higher and lower Yale Food Addiction Scores

Aim: This study aimed to compare neuropsychological test performances of individuals with and without food addiction (FA). Methods: Two hundred and six university students were the study’s sample. At the first step of the study, sociodemographic features, Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and body mass index (BMI) of the participants were evaluated. Twenty participants who met the FA criteria according to YFAS and twenty randomly selected participants among those who did not meet the FA criteria according to YFAS were included in the second step of the study. In the second step of the study, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS), Stroop Test, and Benton’s Judgment of Line Orientation Test (JLO) were applied to the participants with and without FA. Results: Fifteen percent of the participants met the diagnosis of FA according to the YFAS. Stroop completion time, number of errors, number of spontaneous corrections, and interference were higher in the FA group than in the non-FA group (p=0.002, p&lt;0.001, p=0.003, and p=0.001, respectively). Benton’s Judgment of Line Orientation test score was higher in the non-FA group than in the FA group (p=0.022). FA criteria number were correlated with Stroop-number of error and number of spontaneous corrections in participants with FA (r=.50 and r=.53, respectively). Conclusions: It can be said that there are attentional and visuospatial deficits in FA that are reflected in neuropsychological test performance.

Regression-Based Normative Data for Independent and Cognitively Active Spanish Older Adults: Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test, Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test and Judgement of Line Orientation.

The aim of this work was to develop normative data for neuropsychological tests for the assessment of independent and cognitively active Spanish older adults over 55 years of age. Methods: regression-based normative data were calculated from a sample of 103 nondepressed independent community-dwelling adults aged 55 or older (66% women). The raw data for the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT), the Rey–Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCF) and the Judgement of Line Orientation Test (JLO) were regressed on age, sex and education. The model predicting the FCSRT delayed-recall (FCSRT-Del) scores also included the FCSRT immediate-recall (FCSRT-Imm) scores. The model predicting the ROCF immediate-recall (ROCF-Imm) scores included the ROCF copy-trial (ROCF-C) scores, and the model predicting the ROCF delayed-recall (ROCF-Del) scores included both the ROCF-C and the ROCF-Imm scores. In order to identify low scores, z-scores were used to determine the discrepancy between the observed and the predicted scores. The base rates of the low scores for both the SABIEX normative data and the published normative data obtained from the general population were compared. Results: the effects of the different sociodemographic variables (age, sex and education) varied throughout the neuropsychological measures. Despite finding similar proportions of low scores between the normative data sets, the agreement was irrelevant or only fair-to-good. Conclusions: the normative data obtained from the general population might not be sensitive enough to identify low scores in cognitively active older adults, incorrectly classifying them as cognitively normal compared to the less active population.

Resting-state EEG alpha/theta ratio related to neuropsychological test performance in Parkinson’s Disease

ObjectiveTo determine possible associations of hemispheric-regional alpha/theta ratio (α/θ) with neuropsychological test performance in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) non-demented patients. Methods36 PD were matched to 36 Healthy Controls (HC). The α/θ in eight hemispheric regions was computed from the relative power spectral density of the resting-state quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG). Correlations between α/θ and performance in several neuropsychological tests were conducted, significant findings were included in a moderation analysis. ResultsThe α/θ in all regions was lower in PD than in HC, with larger effect sizes in the posterior regions. Right parietal, and right and left occipital α/θ had significant positive correlations with performance in Judgement of Line Orientation Test (JLOT) in PD. Adjusted moderation analysis indicated that right, but not left, occipital α/θ influenced the JLOT performance related to PD. ConclusionsReduction of the occipital α/θ, in particular on the right side, was associated with visuospatial performance impairment in PD. SignificanceVisuospatial impairment in PD, which is highly correlated with the subsequent development of dementia, is reflected in α/θ in the right posterior regions. The right occipital α/θ may represent a useful qEEG marker for evaluating the presence of early signs of cognitive decline in PD and the subsequent risk of dementia.

An in-depth examination of visuospatial functions in a group of Turkish children with dyslexia

Aim: Developmental dyslexia is basically defined as a learning disorder characterized by reading, writing, spelling, and word comprehension difficulties. Phonological deficits in dyslexia are well established in literature, yet, research also indicates some visuospatial difficulties. The aim of this study was to examine the visuospatial functions in Turkish children with dyslexia and to show the interrelationship of visuospatial perception, visual memory, and executive functions. Methods: The sample of this study was composed of 20 children (9 female and 11 male) with developmental dyslexia and 20 age-matched controls (11 female and 9 male). The children in dyslexia group were previously diagnosed as dyslexic according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder-IV criteria in a private rehabilitation center. Rey-Osterreich complex figure test (ROCF), Clock Drawing Test (CDT), and Judgment of Line Orientation test (JLOT) were used to evaluate visuospatial functions of the children. Results: Comparison analyses showed that dyslexia group significantly differed from the control group in all visuospatial test scores (P < 0.05 for all). In addition, a positive correlation was present between JLOT score and ROCF direct copying score, ROCF immediate memory score, ROCF delayed memory score, and CDT score for the dyslexic group (P < 0.05 for all). Conclusion: Our findings confirm the presence of visuospatial problems in dyslexia and highlight the importance of interaction between perceptual and executive processes indicating a more fundamental cognitive deficit.

Cognitive function and alcohol use disorder: Path analysis for a cross-sectional study in Taiwan

Objective: Alcohol has cognitive impacts on patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). In this study, we intended to study cognitive impairments in patients with AUD and their potential interrelationships. Methods: We enrolled 60 patients with AUD or alcohol intoxication in Taiwan. The severity of alcohol use was assessed using a copy for severity of alcohol dependence questionnaire (SADQ). Cognitive function was evaluated using Stroop color and word test, continuous performance test-identical pairs, trail making test, visual alternating and divided attention subscales of computerized everyday attention test, visual elevator subscale of test of everyday attention, Benton judgment of line orientation test, spatial perception subscale of visual object perception test, visual motor organization subscale of Loewenstein occupational therapy, thinking operations subscale of Loewenstein occupational therapy cognitive assessment, digit symbol coding subscale of Wechsler adult intelligence scale-third edition, as well as symbol digit modalities test. Moreover, we used a structural equation modeling (SEM) to link age, duration of alcohol use, SADQ, and cognitive impairments. Results: Patients with AUD had significantly impairments of “attention” (p

A Research on the relationship between problem-solving appraisal, attention, and visuospatial skills of first-year architecture students

The first-year students in architectural education must deal with design exercises and studio processes that involve problems they have not encountered before. It is essential to understand the intellectual and cognitive personal resources students use to deal with the unique problems and issues of the first year. Attention and their appraisal of their own problem-solving skills can be presented as one of the primary personal resources. These resources should be considered in terms of student-centered and personalized, healthy, and sustainable learning. This dimension of learning is of great importance, especially in the emergency distance education process due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of the study is to investigate the relationship between problem-solving appraisal, attention, and visuospatial skills of first-year architecture students. The research is an experimental study. Neuropsychological assessment tools and scales were used. There are Turkish standardization studies for these neuropsychological assessment tools. These tools have norm values on a healthy sample, which were benefited as control group scores. For visuospatial skills, Raven Standard Progressive Matrices test and Benton Judgment of Line Orientation test;for attention, STROOP test TBAG version were administrated. Problem-Solving Appraisal Inventory were given to record the students' their own validation and assessment on their own problem-solving skills. Participants were volunteer first-year architecture students, who complied with the inclusion criteria. The sample was composed of 40 (26, %65.0, female, 14, %35.0, male) students. Age range was 18-22. It was observed that the students participating in the study evaluated their own problem-solving skills positively. It was found that female participants evaluated their problem-solving skills as more advanced regarding to planfulness factor, whereas for male students it was the self-confidence factor. The neuropsychological test performances of the participants who evaluate their own problem-solving skills negatively were lower. Findings suggest that participants whose problem-solving skills are incompatible with the age group need improvement in decision-making, action, part-whole relationship, visual motor speed, and resistance to confounders or distractors. It was concluded that students who evaluated themselves as better problem solvers in evaluative approach, self-confidence and planfulness dimensions performed better in visuospatial assessment. Architectural education raises issues and challenges which might be quite problematic for the first-year students. Students are expected to gain knowledge, skills, and competence in a new field. Design exercise itself is either undefined or ill-defined. Focusing mainly on the non-working, inconsistent, or missed opportunities instead of positive aspects of the design proposal initiates new challenges that the students must encounter. Students are expected to formulate and manage their problem-solving challenge, which is mostly supported with negative feedbacks and criticism. It is possible to claim that the academic performance of a person who is made to feel worthless by reinforcing their negative judgments about their own skills and competencies decreases. Creativity and innovation, critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, learning to learn, metacognitive awareness, communication and collaboration are the 21st century skills which are the key skills preparing the societies and individual to the future. The COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken to combat the epidemic, especially emergency distance education, have reminded the vital importance of the skills mentioned above. The skills emerge and develop individually on the basis of personal resources and individual's social context. The idea that these skills can be improved by means of architectural design education is not a defensible claim within the scientific framework of learning and development. Studies in the areas of learning and development recommend the understanding, evaluation and appraisal of the student's own personal intellectual and cognitive resources. The design exercise proceeds through processes similar to solving real life problems. The studio environment can be defined as a social learning environment based on problem solving. How first year architecture students appraise their own problem-solving skills has not been studied sufficiently. The benefits of these research can be listed as follows: Students' individual differences can be revealed. Changes in their academic performance can be observed. Students' attitudes towards feedback can be explained. The relationship between students' attitudes towards their own skills and competencies and their academic performance can be observed and studies can be carried out to improve performance. The findings of these and similar studies show that individuals' metacognitive awareness, self-efficacy perceptions of their knowledge, skills and competencies and their self-control over them are the keys to intellectual and academic development.