Measures Of Cognitive Ability Research Articles

Breastfeeding, cognitive ability, and residual confounding: A comment on studies by Pereyra-Elìas et al.

Recent studies found positive effects of breastfeeding on the child's cognitive ability and educational outcomes even when adjusting for maternal cognitive ability in addition to a large number of other potential confounders. The authors claimed an important role of breastfeeding for the child's cognitive scores. However, it is well known that error in the measurement of confounders can leave room for residual confounding. In the present reanalyses, we found incongruent effects indicating simultaneous increasing and decreasing effects of breastfeeding on the child's cognitive ability and educational outcomes. We conclude that findings in the reanalyses may have been due to residual confounding due to error in the measurement of maternal cognitive ability. Consequently, it appears premature to assume a genuine increasing effect of breastfeeding on the child's cognitive ability and educational outcomes and claims in this regard may be challenged.

The Danish Aging and Cognition (DanACo) cohort

BackgroundWith aging populations worldwide, identification of predictors of age-related cognitive decline is becoming increasingly important. The Danish Aging and Cognition Cohort (DanACo) including more than 5000 Danish men was established to investigate predictors of age-related cognitive decline from young adulthood to late mid-life.Construction and contentThe DanACo cohort was established through two separate data collections with identical designs involving a follow-up examination in late mid-life of men for whom intelligence test scores were available from their mandatory conscription board examination. The cohort consists of 5,183 men born from 1949 through 1961, with a mean age of 20.4 years at baseline and a mean age of 64.4 years at follow-up. The baseline measures consisted of height, weight, intelligence test score and educational level collected at the conscription board examination. The follow-up assessment consisted of a re-administration of the same intelligence test and a comprehensive questionnaire covering socio-demographic factors, lifestyle, and health-related factors. The data were collected in test sessions with up to 24 participants per session. Using the unique personal identification number assigned to all Danes, the cohort has been linked to data from national administrative and health registers for prospectively collected data on socioeconomic and health-related factors.Utility and discussionThe DanACo cohort has some major strengths compared to existing cognitive aging cohorts such as a large sample size (n = 5,183 men), a validated global measure of cognitive ability, a long retest interval (mean 44.0 years) and the availability of prospectively collected data from registries as well as comprehensive questionnaire data. The main weakness is the low participation rate (14.3%) and that the cohort consists of men only.ConclusionCognitive decline is a result of a summary of factors across the life-course. The DanACo cohort is characterized by a long retest interval and contains data on a wealth of factors across adult life which is essential to establish evidence on predictors of cognitive decline. Moreover, the size of the cohort ensures sufficient statistical power to identify even relatively weak predictors of cognitive decline.

Does the Cognitive Change Index Predict Future Cognitive and Clinical Decline? Longitudinal Analysis in a Demographically Diverse Cohort.

The Cognitive Change Index (CCI) is a widely-used measure of self-perceived cognitive ability and change. Unfortunately, it is unclear if the CCI predicts future cognitive and clinical decline. We evaluated baseline CCI to predict transition from normal cognition to cognitive impairment in nondemented older adults and in predementia groups including, subjective cognitive decline, motoric cognitive risk syndrome, and mild cognitive impairment. Different versions of the CCI were assessed to uncover any differential risk sensitivity. We also examined the effect of ethnicity/race on CCI. Einstein Aging Study participants (N = 322, Mage = 77.57±4.96, % female=67.1, Meducation = 15.06±3.54, % non-Hispanic white = 46.3) completed an expanded 40-item CCI version (CCI-40) and neuropsychological evaluation (including Clinical Dementia Rating Scale [CDR], Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and Craft Story) at baseline and annual follow-up (Mfollow-up=3.4 years). CCI-40 includes the original 20 items (CCI-20) and the first 12 memory items (CCI-12). Linear mixed effects models (LME) and generalized LME assessed the association of CCI total scores at baseline with rate of decline in neuropsychological tests and CDR. In the overall sample and across predementia groups, the CCI was associated with rate of change in log odds on CDR, with higher CCI at baseline predicting faster increase in the odds of being impaired on CDR. The predictive validity of the CCI broadly held across versions (CCI-12, 20, 40) and ethnic/racial groups (non-Hispanic black and white). Self-perception of cognitive change on the CCI is a useful marker of dementia risk in demographically/clinically diverse nondemented samples. All CCI versions successfully predicted decline.

The validity of general cognitive ability predicting job-specific performance is stable across different levels of job experience.

Decades of research in industrial-organizational psychology have established that measures of general cognitive ability (g) consistently and positively predict job-specific performance to a statistically and practically significant degree across jobs. But is the validity of g stable across different levels of job experience? The present study addresses this question using historical large-scale data across 31 diverse military occupations from the Joint-Service Job Performance Measurement/Enlistment Standards Project (N = 10,088). Across all jobs, results of our meta-analysis find near-zero interactions between Armed Forces Qualification Test score (a composite of math and verbal scores) and time in service when predicting job-specific performance. This finding supports the validity of g for predicting job-specific performance even with increasing job experience and provides no evidence for diminishing validity of g. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings, along with directions for personnel selection research and practice. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Measures of cognitive ability and choice inconsistency

Cognitive skills affect individual choices. Researchers commonly use Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM) tests and the Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT) to assess the relationship between cognitive abilities and economic decision making. In this paper, we study the relationship between these measures, and investigate the extent to which they are correlated and whether they are best described as substitutes or complements. Combining a sample of 686 children and a sample of 2,332 adults, we compare individual performances in the RPM test and CRT test. First, we report a significant positive correlation between the two measures of 0.3. Second, we document that performance in both the RPM test and CRT are significant predictors of behavioral inconsistency observed in incentivized time and risk preference elicitation tasks for children and risk preference elicitation task for adults.

What are we measuring in international assessments? Learning? Probably. Intelligence? Not likely

In the current manuscript, we provide a brief look into the evolution of intelligence testing, tracing its origins and methodologies from the mid-19th century. We then critically examine contemporary research that misinterprets international assessment data, which measures differences in learning, as proxies for differences in intelligence. The reviewed research perpetuates racial hierarchies and leans toward a deterministic view of intelligence, sometimes with eugenicist undertones. We further emphasize the methodological shortcomings of such research, cautioning against the inappropriate interpretations of international assessment data. We underscore that these assessments, while valuable in their intended context, are not validated measures of intelligence or cognitive ability and should not be misconstrued as such. Further, these scores should not be misinterpreted as an indication of what students are capable of learning. Finally, we show several examples of why international assessment results are not well-suited as proxies of intelligence, but, rather, how they might tap into learning.

A transdiagnostic approach to neurodiversity in a representative population sample: The N+ 4 model

AbstractBackgroundThe concept of neurodiversity draws upon scientific research, and lessons from practice and lived experience to suggest new ways of thinking about neurodevelopmental conditions. Among the formative observations are that characteristics associated with neurodevelopmental conditions are part of a “broader phenotype” of variation across the whole population, and that there appear to be “transdiagnostic” similarities as well as differences in these characteristics. These observations raise important questions that have implications for understanding diversity in neurodevelopmental conditions and in neurocognitive phenotypes across the whole population.MethodThe present work examines broader phenotypes using seven widely used self‐report assessments of traits associated with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Developmental Coordination Disorder/dyspraxia, tic disorders/Tourette's, cortical hyperexcitability associated with subclinical epilepsy, and sensory sensitivities. A representative sample of 995 adults (aged 17–77) in the UK completed self‐report measures of neurodiversity, wellbeing, generalized anxiety, and depression, and cognitive abilities (nonverbal intelligence and executive functioning).ResultsWe used confirmatory factor analysis to test whether variation and covariation was better characterized (1) by traditional diagnostic labels, or (2) transdiagnostically according to similarities in functions, behaviours, or phenomena. Results indicated that neurodiversity characteristics were best explained using a bifactor model with one general “N” factor and four condition‐specific factors.ConclusionThis was the largest examination to date of the factor structure of broader phenotypes relevant to neurodevelopmental conditions. It provides critical benchmark data, and a framework approach for asking systematic questions about the structure of neurocognitive diversities seen in the whole population and in people with one or more diagnoses.

A preliminary investigation on core lexicon analysis in dementia of the Alzheimer's type.

Core lexicon (CL) analysis is a time efficient and possibly reliable measure that captures discourse production abilities. For people with aphasia, CL scores have demonstrated correlations with aphasia severity, as well as other discourse and linguistic measures. It was also found to be clinician-friendly and clinically sensitive enough to capture longitudinal changes in aphasia. To our knowledge, CL has never been investigated in individuals with neurologically progressive disease. As a preliminary investigation, we sought to investigate (1) whether CL scores correlate with dementia severity, (2) whether CL scores correlate with measures of discourse quality, and (3) whether CL scores correlate with other measures of lexical/semantic access. Twelve participants with a cognitive impairment associated with dementia of the Alzheimer's type (DAT) completed several measures of language and cognitive ability, as well as provide a language sample from the wordless picture book, Picnic. Results are informative, as they provide insight into characteristics of CL and provide support for potential use of CL in individuals with neurologically progressive disease. The results indicated that CL scores do correlate with dementia severity and several measures of language ability, indicating they may provide a useful measure of language abilities in DAT, but more research is needed. What is already known on the subject Core lexicon (CL) analysis is an assessment measure of discourse ability, most closely related to informativeness or productivity, used in aphasiology that is easier to use and less time consuming than previous measures of informativeness, such as correct information units or type-token ratio (TTR). For people with aphasia, CL analysis correlates with aphasia severity, measures of informativeness, as well as other measures of discourse quality. It has also been shown to be faster and more reliable between scorers than other informativeness measures. What this study adds Core lexicon analysis is a new simple and online method for assessing the informativeness of a discourse sample without the need to record or transcribe the language sample. CL is receiving a lot of attention in aphasia, correlating with everything from aphasia severity to measures of productivity and lexical access, as well as measures of informativeness. Unfortunately, no one has investigated CL analysis in dementia. The study demonstrates the first evidence that CL analysis may be a useful measure for determining dementia severity and language quality in people with dementia. What are the clinical implications of this work? Core lexicon analysis may provide clinicians and researchers with an easy method for assessing the discourse of people with a cognitive impairment associated with dementia of the Alzheimer's type. This will improve initial assessment, as well as improve ongoing language assessment that may provide clues into their functional ability to communicate effectively.

Intervention to Enhance Cognitive Development Underpinning Reading for Japanese Preschool Children

This study aimed to examine the effects of intervention through a cognitive educational program based on previous research and conducted it on a class of nursery preschoolers. To examine the effects of the intervention, two measures of cognitive abilities (Flanker task / PASS Rating Scale) were administered pre- and post-intervention. We analyzed the activity review sheets filled by children after each session. As a result, the size of interference effects on the response time of the Flanker task in post-intervention decreased compared with that in pre-intervention and the scores of the PASS Rating Scale in post-intervention were higher than that in pre-intervention. Additionally, analyses of the activity review sheets indicated that the descriptions of “content of activity” and “strategy” tended to increase as the sessions progressed. Changes in measures of cognitive abilities suggest that the intervention played an important part in enhancing preschoolers’ cognitive abilities. The result of reflection suggests the fact that we actively provided opportunities to interact with instructors and classmates while verbalizing the contents and strategies of activities during sessions. These results suggest the positive impact of class-wide intervention of cognitive enhancement programs among preschoolers.

Calculator Provision as an Accommodation for the Canadian Forces Aptitude Test (CFAT)

The impact of calculator provision on the reliability and validity of a version of the Canadian Forces Aptitude Test—Problem Solving subtest was investigated in order to inform testing accommodation policy. Two hundred and fifty-four Canadian Armed Forces recruits undergoing basic training participated in the experimental research design, which consisted of a calculator and a no-calculator condition. Results supported that the convergent validity of the test was maintained in the calculator condition, as indicated by similar validity coefficients with other measures of cognitive ability in the two conditions; however, several items showed increased correct responding, and there was mixed support for criterion-related validity when calculators were provided. Additionally, the calculator condition moderated the relationship between calculator dependency and test performance, such that the relationship was positive in the calculator condition and negative in the no-calculator condition. Implications of these results with respect to accommodation policy are discussed, as well as additional research that would be beneficial in this area.

The Impact of Exercise and Cognitive Stimulation Therapy on Intrinsic Capacity Composite Score in Pre-Frail Older Adults: A Pre-Post Intervention Study.

Intrinsic capacity(IC) is a measure of physical, cognitive, vitality, psychological, and sensory abilities which determines functional ability. Decline in IC has been shown to accelerate the trajectory of frailty. We aim to show the impact of exercise (Ex) and cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) on (i) IC domains and composite score (ii) frailty and functional ability in pre-frail older adults. Secondary analysis of data from a pre-post intervention study of pre-frail older adults ≥ 65 years attending primary care clinic. Control (CON) and 2 intervention groups ((i) Ex 6 months (ii) CST 3 months with Ex 6 months (Ex+CST)) were recruited. Pre-frailty was determined using the FRAIL scale. Questionnaires (on demographics, functional ability, and depression) were administered and physical function assessment (gait speed (GS), short physical performance battery (SPPB) test, handgrip strength, five times sit-to-stand (5x-STS)) was conducted at 0, 3, 6 and 12 months. Four domains of IC were evaluated: locomotion (GS and 5x-STS), vitality (nutrition and muscle mass), cognition (MoCA and subjective cognitive decline) and psychological (depression and anxiety). Each domain was scored from 0 to 2 (no decline) with total IC score ranging from 0 to 8. 187 participants completed baseline and 3 months assessments, 109 (58.3%) were allocated to CON, 37 (19.8%) to Ex and 41 (21.9%) to Ex + CST groups. At 3 months, both Ex and Ex +CST showed improvement in IC composite scores, locomotion, and psychological domain scores but improvement in cognition domain only in Ex + CST group. At 6 months, there were improvements in total IC score, locomotion, vitality, and psychological domain in both Ex and Ex + CST groups. At 12 months, significant improvement was evident in total IC score for Ex and Ex+CST groups, vitality when fatigue (in addition to muscle mass and nutrition) was added and instrumental activities of daily living. Multidomain intervention incorporating exercise and CST resulted in significant improvement in IC composite scores, locomotion, vitality, cognition, and psychological domains.

Cognitive and Developmental Profiles Associated with Self-Reported Sexual and Gender Minority Stigmatization Among Binary Transgender Adolescents

ABSTRACT Objective Sexual and gender minority (SGM) stigmatization is a key factor related to transgender adolescent mental health. While previous research has focused on direct associations between stigmatization and mental health, the present study of transgender youth, equitably recruited across the autism spectrum, examines cognitive and developmental factors in relation to the self-report of experienced and perceived SGM stigmatization. Method 65 binary transgender adolescents (43% transfeminine; ages 13–21 years) were intentionally recruited across the spectrum of autism traits from no traits to full criteria autism. Participants completed measures of autism-related social differences, cognitive abilities, and self-reported directly experienced and perceived SGM stigma. Autism-related social differences, cognitive abilities, and age were studied in relation to both SGM stigma factors. Results Autism-related social differences were negatively associated with level of directly experienced SGM stigma but unassociated with perceived stigma. Greater cognitive ability was positively associated with level of perceived SGM stigma, but unassociated with report of directly experienced stigma. Older age was positively associated with level of perceived SGM stigma. There was a statistical trend toward older age positively associated with level of directly experienced stigma. Conclusions The present study identifies candidate cognitive and developmental influences on self-reported SGM stigmatization among transgender adolescents, evenly recruited across the autism spectrum. The factors which may impact the perception and experience of stigmatization have been notably under-explored in the mental health field. The examination of these individual characteristics may allow for more precise predictive models for research with transgender youth, and ultimately, in clinical care.

Checking Different Video Game Mechanics to Assess Cognitive Abilities in Groups with and without Emotional Problems.

This study assesses cognitive abilities through video games for entertainment (Blek, Edge, and Unpossible) that were programmed from scratch to record players' behavior and the levels achieved in a sample without emotional problems and in one with emotional problems. The non-emotional-problem sample was recruited from three universities and two bachelor's degree programs. The emotional-problem sample was recruited from two outpatient centers. The participants in the emotional-problem sample completed reduced versions of the ability tests and video games, as required by their emotional problems. Three subtests of the Differential Aptitude Test that assessed abstract reasoning, visuospatial reasoning, and perceptual speed were selected as ability tests. All participants were required to complete a mental health questionnaire (PROMIS) and a brief questionnaire on their gaming habits and previous experience with the video games used. The results that were obtained showed good convergent validity of the video games as measures of cognitive abilities, and they showed that the behavior of players in the sample without emotional problems while playing predicted the level achieved in the Blek and Unpossible game fragments, but this was only true for Unpossible in the emotional-problem sample; finally, shorter versions of the Blek and Edge game fragments can be used because they maintain their good psychometric properties.

Explaining the Validity of the ASVAB for Job-Relevant Multitasking Performance: The Role of Placekeeping Ability.

Scores on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) predict military job (and training) performance better than any single variable so far identified. However, it remains unclear what factors explain this predictive relationship. Here, we investigated the contributions of fluid intelligence (Gf) and two executive functions-placekeeping ability and attention control-to the relationship between the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score from the ASVAB and job-relevant multitasking performance. Psychometric network analyses revealed that Gf and placekeeping ability independently contributed to and largely explained the AFQT-multitasking performance relationship. The contribution of attention control to this relationship was negligible. However, attention control did relate positively and significantly to Gf and placekeeping ability, consistent with the hypothesis that it is a cognitive "primitive" underlying the individual differences in higher-level cognition. Finally, hierarchical regression analyses revealed stronger evidence for the incremental validity of Gf and placekeeping ability in the prediction of multitasking performance than for the incremental validity of attention control. The results shed light on factors that may underlie the predictive validity of global measures of cognitive ability and suggest how the ASVAB might be augmented to improve its predictive validity.

Lifestyle activities contribute to cognitive reserve in mid‐life, independently of education, in cognitively healthy middle‐aged individuals at risk for late‐life Alzheimer’s disease

AbstractBackgroundIt is now acknowledged that Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) processes are present decades before the onset of clinical symptoms, but it remains unknown whether lifestyle factors can protect against these early AD processes in mid‐life. Intellectually, physically, and socially stimulating lifestyle activities are associated with maintenance of late‐life cognitive abilities (Chan et al., 2018), and lower cognitive impairment in AD (Livingston et al., 2020). We asked whether such activities contribute to cognitive reserve (CR) from mid‐life, in cognitively healthy individuals who are at risk for late‐life AD.MethodMiddle‐aged individuals (aged 40‐59 years, mean = 52 years) from the PREVENT Dementia study (www.preventdementia.co.uk) were assessed at baseline (N = 210, 62/148 male/female) and two‐year follow‐up (N = 188, 55/133 male/female), with cognitive ability (multidomain battery) and brain health (total grey matter volume, functional brain network segregation) measures. Mid‐life activities were measured using the Lifetime of Experiences Questionnaire, which comprises occupational as well as intellectually, physically, and socially stimulating leisure activities. Dementia risk was assessed with the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Dementia (CAIDE) score.ResultMultivariable linear regression showed that intellectual, physical, and social activities undertaken in mid‐life made a unique contribution to episodic and relational memory in mid‐life, independent of occupation and CAIDE at baseline (β (se) = 0.04 (0.02), p = 0.02, Figure 1a) and follow‐up (β (se) = 0.07 (0.02), p = 0.002, Figure 1b). Furthermore, these activities moderated the relationship between cognitive ability and brain health at follow‐up (β (se) = 3.47 (1.40), p = 0.01), with verbal and visuospatial functions, and short‐term (conjunctive) memory of people with higher activity levels less dependent on their brain functional integrity (Figure 2), consistent with the concept of CR (Brayne et al., 2010). Such a moderation by these mid‐life activities was more prominent in individuals with higher CAIDE scores (β (se) = 4.28 (1.83), p = 0.02, Figure 3).ConclusionThese findings suggest that modifiable lifestyle activities contribute uniquely to CR and may offset cognitive decrements due to AD risk in mid‐life. They support the targeting of modifiable lifestyle activities for the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.

Dementia Associated Diseases, Driving Status, and Cognitive Function: Perception Does Not Match Performance – Truth and Consequence for Driving Shared Decision Making

AbstractBackgroundDementia associated diseases (DAD) refer to a group of disorders clinically characterized by progressive cognitive impairment (CI). CI may reflect abnormalities across multiple cognitive domains (CD) to varying degrees and combinations and interfere with the ability to carry out activities of daily living (ADL). Determination of driving ability in routine care relies on patient, family, and clinician shared‐decision making, as availability of routine on‐road driving assessment might be limited. Incorporation of patient reported outcomes (PRO) in routine care has increased, becoming more important for patient care and treatment decisions. Neuro‐QoL Cognitive Function Questionnaire (CF) provides an opportunity to assess self‐reported cognition routinely. The relationship of CF to objective computerized multi‐domain cognitive testing and self‐reported driving has not been explored. Providing easily available objective screening might be of great value for all involved in the decision to continue or stop driving in view of the profound impact loss of driving has on independence.MethodA retrospective review of PwDAD who provided self‐reported driving status and completed both objective and subjective cognitive function (CF) measures. Subjective CF was measured by CF score which pertaining to comprehension, cognition, attention, and learning. The validated computerized cognitive assessment battery (CAB‐NT), includes 7 cognitive domains: memory(Mem), executive function(Exe), attention(Att), information processing speed(Inf), visual‐spatial(Vis), verbal function(Ver), motor skills(Mot) and a global cognitive summary score(GCS). T‐tests and regression analysis was utilized for analysis assuming both equal and unequal variances, with significance (p< 0.05).Results496 PwDAD, average age 73.4±8.9, 61.2% female. T‐test showed significant differences between driving status yes/no for both CF and all CAB‐NT domains. However, regression analysis showed a small effect size between CF and CAB‐NT cognitive domains scores.ConclusionSelf‐reported driving status in PwDAD corresponds to both perceived/subjective CF and objective measures of cognitive function. However, the relationship between subjective and objective cognitive function measures is problematic. With various CDs involved in the safe effective operation of a motor vehicle, it is necessary to objectively assess this risk with objective measures. Evidence of incongruent relationship between objective and subjective cognitive function enhances the importance of incorporating objective measures of cognitive ability to safely maintain an active driving status.

Comparing intra‐individual variability on executive functioning tasks in individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia of the Alzheimer Type: Results from the ARMADA Study

AbstractBackgroundCognitive decline is most often assessed mean group differences on static measures of cognitive abilities (MacDonald et al., 2009). Another, perhaps more dynamic, method to understanding cognitive functioning is to evaluate variability in performance within an individual, termed intraindividual variability (IIV), which has been associated with reduction in gray matter and less efficient cognitive processing. Using results from a multi‐site, longitudinal ARMADA study that validated NIH Toolbox across the cognitive aging spectrum, we investigated whether IIV in reaction time processing can differentiate between older adults with normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT), as well as the relative magnitude of differences between groups.MethodAs part of the Advancing Reliable Measurement in Alzheimer’s Disease and cognitive Aging study (ARMADA; Weintraub et al 2020), participants completed the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery, including two measures of executive functioning, Dimensional Change Card Sort and Flanker Inhibitory Control, which include granular reaction time data in milliseconds. We analyzed standard deviation and mean absolute deviation of item‐level data of all trials, correct trials only, and incorrect trials only for three groups: normal controls, those with amnestic MCI, and those with mild DAT.ResultWe observe large effect sizes of reaction time by clinical group, with the mild DAT group demonstrating mean standard error across trials of approximately .5 seconds throughout, compared with .25 seconds for MCI and .10 seconds for the control group (Figure 1). This translates to an approximate 5‐fold increase in processing speed in the most severe clinical group. Examining time trends, we see that while the NC and MCI group were faster as the test progressed; there is no similar learning effect for the mild DAT group. Similar effect sizes were observed for the Flanker test.ConclusionThis study represents one of the first studies to examine clinical performance using process data from two executive functioning measures on the NIH Toolbox across the cognitive aging spectrum. Future work will explore more definitions of IIV to determine which measure will maximally differentiate between established clinical groups and examine longitudinal differences.

Comparing intra‐individual variability on executive functioning tasks in individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia of the Alzheimer Type: Results from the ARMADA Study

AbstractBackgroundCognitive decline is most often assessed mean group differences on static measures of cognitive abilities (MacDonald et al., 2009). Another, perhaps more dynamic, method to understanding cognitive functioning is to evaluate variability in performance within an individual, termed intraindividual variability (IIV), which has been associated with reduction in gray matter and less efficient cognitive processing. Using results from a multi‐site, longitudinal ARMADA study that validated NIH Toolbox across the cognitive aging spectrum, we investigated whether IIV in reaction time processing can differentiate between older adults with normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT), as well as the relative magnitude of differences between groups.MethodAs part of the Advancing Reliable Measurement in Alzheimer’s Disease and cognitive Aging study (ARMADA; Weintraub et al 2020), participants completed the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery, including two measures of executive functioning, Dimensional Change Card Sort and Flanker Inhibitory Control, which include granular reaction time data in milliseconds. We analyzed standard deviation and mean absolute deviation of item‐level data of all trials, correct trials only, and incorrect trials only for three groups: normal controls, those with amnestic MCI, and those with mild DAT.ResultsWe observe large effect sizes of reaction time by clinical group, with the mild DAT group demonstrating mean standard error across trials of approximately .5 seconds throughout, compared with .25 seconds for MCI and .10 seconds for the control group (Figure 1). This translates to an approximate 5‐fold increase in processing speed in the most severe clinical group. Examining time trends, we see that while the NC and MCI group were faster as the test progressed; there is no similar learning effect for the mild DAT group. Similar effect sizes were observed for the Flanker test.ConclusionThis study represents one of the first studies to examine clinical performance using process data from two executive functioning measures on the NIH Toolbox across the cognitive aging spectrum. Future work will explore more definitions of IIV to determine which measure will maximally differentiate between established clinical groups and examine longitudinal differences.

The Cognitive Awareness Scale for Basic and Instrumental activities of daily living to measure self-awareness after acquired brain injury: preliminary evidence of its validity

Objective: There is a crucial need for reliable tools to measure impaired self-awareness (ISA) in patients with acquired brain injury (ABI) across cognitive-functional domains. The aim of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Cog-Awareness ADL Scale, which is a novel self-proxy discrepancy method for measuring ISA in both basic and instrumental activities of daily living. Methods: This multicenter study included 54 patients (no-low ISA n = 33; severe ISA, n = 21) from four outpatient rehabilitation units in Málaga-Granada, Spain, and 51 healthy controls. The participants and proxy raters completed the Cog-Awareness ADL Scale and the Patient Competency Rating Scale (PCRS). Agreement between both scales was assessed using Spearman’s correlations and the Bland-Altman plot. Group comparisons were made on measures of SA, cognitive abilities and demographic variables. Sensitivity and specificity were analysed by ROC curve analysis. Results: Convergent validity was supported by strong correlations with the PCRS and its subscales (rho’s ranging from 0.51 to 0.80, p < 0.01 for all). The Bland-Altman plot confirmed measurement agreement (only 3.70% of the scores were outside the 95% limits). External validity was demonstrated by effectively discriminating between healthy controls and ABI patients with no-low and severe ISA on each discrepancy index while controlling for cognitive/demographic variables. The Cog-Awareness ADL Scale showed optimal diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.95, sensitivity = 0.90, specificity = 0.90). Conclusions: The Cog-Awareness ADL Scale proved to be a feasible, valid, and clinical tool to assess ISA across different cognitive-functional domains, in Spanish ABI-patients.

Effects of sleep-corrected social jetlag on measures of mental health, cognitive ability, and brain functional connectivity in early adolescence.

Approximately half of adolescents encounter a mismatch between their sleep patterns on school days and free days, also referred to as "social jetlag." This condition has been linked to various adverse outcomes, such as poor sleep, cognitive deficits, and mental disorders. However, prior research was unsuccessful in accounting for other variables that are correlated with social jetlag, including sleep duration and quality. To address this limitation, we applied a propensity score matching method on a sample of 6335 11-12-year-olds from the 2-year follow-up (FL2) data of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study. We identified 2424 pairs of participants with high sleep-corrected social jetlag (SJLsc, over 1 hour) and low SJLsc (<= 1 hour) at FL2 (1728 pairs have neuroimaging data), as well as 1626 pairs at 3-year follow-up (FL3), after matching based on 11 covariates including socioeconomic status, demographics, and sleep duration and quality. Our results showed that high SJLsc, as measured by the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire, was linked to reduced crystallized intelligence (CI), lower school performance-grades, and decreased functional connectivity between cortical networks and subcortical regions, specifically between cingulo-opercular network and right hippocampus. Further mediation and longitudinal mediation analyses revealed that this connection mediated the associations between SJLsc and CI at FL2, and between SJLsc and grades at both FL2 and FL3. We validated these findings by replicating these results using objective SJLsc measurements obtained via Fitbit watches. Overall, our study highlights the negative association between social jetlag and CI during early adolescence.