List Memory Research Articles

Association between on-road driving performance test and usual walking speed or sustainable attention in the elderly; Preliminary survey

Objective An increase in older drivers has been widely recognized in Japan; accordingly, screening to prevent traffic accidents is a crucial issue for safe driving. As a preliminary study, we examined the association between on-road driving performance and cognition or physical performance in older individuals. Methods The survey was conducted in 2020, and the participants were recruited in Katagami City, Akita, Japan. The Road Test was used to assess on-road driving performance. The physical assessment comprised the usual walking speed (UWS) and grip strength (GS), and the cognitive evaluation consisted of the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology Functional Assessment Tool (NCGG-FAT) and the Japanese version of Stroke Drivers’ Screening Assessment (J-SDSA). A multiple regression model was also applied to examine the association between on-road driving performance and the physical items or cognitive domains of the NCGG-FAT and the J-SDSA in older individuals. Results Twenty-one participants (mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 77.0 ± 5.5 years) were included in this study. A correlation analysis showed that the on-road test score was correlated with performances on the UWS (r = 0.53, p = .002), the word list memory (WM) test (r = 0.44, p = .046), the trail-making test-A (TMT-A) (r = −0.44, p = .048), the SDSA dot cancelation (DC) test (r = −0.63, p = .002), and the SDSA squares matrix compass test (SM) (r = 0.54, p = .048). According to a stepwise linear regression, the on-road test score was associated with the UWS (β = −0.01, p = .003) and the SDSA DC (β = 4.89, p = .01), with an adjusted R 2 = 0.54. Conclusions The results of the study suggested that the UWS and sustainable attention might be potential factors influencing on-road driving performance. Our preliminary findings warrant further investigation.

The Trajectory of Targets and Critical Lures in the Deese/Roediger-McDermott Paradigm: A Systematic Review.

The Deese/Roediger–McDermott (DRM) paradigm has been used extensively to examine false memory. During the study session, participants learn lists of semantically related items (e.g., pillow, blanket, tired, bed), referred to as targets. Critical lures are items which are also associated with the lists but are intentionally omitted from study (e.g., sleep). At test, when asked to remember targets, participants often report false memories for critical lures. Findings from experiments using the DRM show the ease with which false memories develop in the absence of suggestion or misinformation. Given this, it is important to examine factors which influence the generalizability of the findings. One important factor is the persistence of false memory, or how long false memories last. Therefore, we conducted a systemic review to answer this research question: What is the persistence of false memory for specific items in the DRM paradigm? To help answer this question our review had two research objectives: (1) to examine the trajectory of target memory and false memory for critical lures and (2) to examine whether memory for targets exceeded false memory for critical lures. We included empirical articles which tested memory for the same DRM lists with at least two testing sessions. We discuss the results with respect to single-session delays, long-term memory recall and recognition, remember and know judgments for memory, and the effect of development, valence, warning, and connectivity on the trajectory of memory. Overall, the trajectory of targets showed a relatively consistent pattern of decrease across delay. The trajectory of critical lures was inconsistent. The proportion of targets versus critical lures across delay was also inconsistent. Despite the inconsistencies, we conclude that targets and critical lures have a dissimilar trajectory across delay and that critical lures are more persistent than targets. The findings with respect to long-term recall and recognition are consistent with both Fuzzy Trace Theory and Associative-Activation Theory of the DRM effect. The generation of false memory with brief delays (3–4 s) is better explained by Associative-Activation Theory. Examining the connectivity between target items, and critical lures, and the effect that has during study and retrieval, can provide insight into the persistence of false memory for critical lures.

DNA methylation "GrimAge" acceleration mediates sex differences in verbal learning and memory: Findings from the health and retirement study

AbstractBackgroundEvidence from cognitive science support sex differences in verbal memory, that tend to favor women. Epigenetic research has also shown slower rates of biological aging in women compared to men. The aim of the current study examined whether sex differences in biological aging mediate sex differences in verbal learning/memory in older adults.MethodData was obtained from the Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol and the 2016 Venous Blood Study, sub‐studies of the 2016 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Thirteen epigenetic “clocks” were constructed from these data and made publicly available by HRS staff. DNA methylation “GrimAge” clock was used as the indicator of biological aging, given evidence relating it to cognition in prior studies. A sample of 1,505 participants (mean age =75, SD= 6.8, male= 42%, White= 81%, Black=13%, Hispanic= 6%), with full data were included in the analyses. The residual from age adjusted GrimAge (AgeAccelGrim) was used as the measure of age acceleration. Cognitive composites were constructed from the learning and delayed recall trials of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Word List Memory Task and the Wechsler Memory Scale‐IV, Logical Memory subtest and used as the outcome measures. Mediation analysis tested whether AgeAccelGrim mediated (5,000 resamples) the association between sex and learning/recall composites. Chronological age, years of education, smoking status, white blood cell count, and race/ethnicity were included as covariates.ResultMediation analyses revealed a total direct effect of sex on learning (β=.32, 95% CI [.26, .37]), with a significant indirect effect of AgeAccelGrim, that explained 12.5% of the total effect of sex (CI [.02, .06]). A similar pattern was revealed for delayed recall (total effect of sex β= .26, 95% CI [.20, .32]), with AgeAccelGrim accounting for 11.5% of the total effect (95% CI [.01, .04]).ConclusionWomen performed better on verbal learning/recall measures compared to men, and this association was partially explained by slower biological aging in women. These findings demonstrate the potential for epigenetic markers of aging to increase understanding of sex differences in verbal learning and memory in older adults.

Differential impact of sub‐threshold amyloid‐beta deposition on intra‐ and inter‐network functional connectivity for cognitively normal older adults according to APOE genotype

AbstractBackgroundPrevious research has demonstrated that sub‐threshold amyloid‐beta retention is related to cognitive performance, functional brain change, and further amyloid‐beta /tau accumulation. However, few previous studies have examined an effect of APOE genotype on the association between functional connectivity (FC) and memory performance in the earliest stage of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We aimed to evaluate the difference in intra‐ and inter‐regional FC between cognitive older adults with and without APOE ε4‐allele and examined an impact of intra‐ and inter‐regional FC on memory performance in cognitively intact older adults, according to APOE ε4‐allele status.MethodCognitively normal older adults with and without APOE ε4 allele (carrier, n=32; non‐carrier, n=80) underwent neuropsychological battery, resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and positron emission tomography (PET) scans with [18F] flutemetamol. We employed a priori defined regions of interest to investigate the intra‐ and inter‐network FC profiles of default mode network (DMN), central executive network (CEN), and salience network (SN). We evaluated difference in intra‐ and inter‐regional FC via analysis of covariance and examined the intra‐ and inter‐regional FC‐by‐APOE genotype interaction for memory performance by multiple linear regression analysis, adjusting for age, sex, and education years.ResultThere was no significant difference in intra‐ and inter‐regional FC for cognitively intact older adults without amyloid‐beta retention between APOE ε4 non‐carrier and carrier. The inter‐regional FC between DMN and CEN displayed a significant interaction with APOE genotype for word list memory, total memory, and total scores (uncorrected p < 0.001; uncorrected p < 0.005; uncorrected p < 0.05). Cognitively normal older adults with APOE ε4 allele exhibited steeper slope for a positive relationship between the inter‐regional FC and memory performances than those without APOE ε4 allele.ConclusionThe inter‐regional FC between DMN and CEN has a differential impact on memory performances according to the representative AD risk factor, APOE ε4 allele in the earliest phase of AD. These results could contribute to the deeper understanding of the initial pathogenesis of AD.

Decreased Cortical Thickness and Local Gyrification in Individuals with Subjective Cognitive Impairment.

ObjectiveSubjective cognitive impairment (SCI) is associated with future cognitive decline. This study aimed to compare cortical thickness and local gyrification index (LGI) between individuals with SCI and normal control (NC) subjects.MethodsForty-seven participants (27 SCI and 20 NC) were recruited. All participants underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging scanning and were clinically assessed using the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD) battery of tests. We compared cortical thickness and LGI between the two groups and analyzed correlations between cortical thickness/LGI and scores on CERAD protocol subtests in the SCI group for region of interests with significant between-group differences.ResultsCortical thickness reduction in the left entorhinal, superior temporal, insular, rostral middle frontal, precentral, superior frontal, and supramarginal regions, and right supramarginal, precentral, insular, postcentral, and posterior cingulate regions was observed in the SCI compared to the NC group. Cortical thickness in these regions correlated with scores of constructional praxis, word list memory, word list recall, constructional recall, trail making test A, and verbal fluency under the CERAD protocol. Significantly decreased gyrification was observed in the left lingual gyrus of the SCI group. In addition, gyrification of this region was positively associated with scores of constructional praxis.ConclusionOur results may provide an additional reference to the notion that SCI may be associated with future cognitive impairment. This study may help clinicians to assess individuals with SCI who may progress to mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s dementia.

Brain amyloid accumulation possibly exacerbates concurrent mild cognitive impairment with subthreshold depression in older adults: A 1-year follow-up study

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the 1-year changes in neuropsychological test results in older adults with concomitant late-life depression (LLD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) according to the presence or absence of brain amyloidopathy. MethodsAll subjects underwent 18F‐florbetaben‐positron emission tomography and a standardized neuropsychological battery. The subjects were divided based on brain amyloidopathy and severity of depressive symptoms into the following groups: LLD-MCI-A(+), subthreshold depression (STD)-MCI-A(+), major depressive disorder (MDD)-MCI-A(+), LLD-MCI-A(-), STD-MCI-A(-), and MDD-MCI-A(-). After one year, follow-up neurocognitive tests were conducted. Fifty-nine participants completed both the baseline and 1-year follow-up neurocognitive tests. ResultsIn the LLD-MCI-A(+) group, the word list recall and word list recognition scores decreased during the follow-up period. The STD-MCI-A(+) group also showed a significant decrease in word list recall score and the score/Z-score of word list recognition. On the other hand, the word list recall Z-score improved at the 1-year follow-up in the LLD-MCI-A(-) group. In particular, the MDD-MCI-A(-) group showed significant increases in word list memory score/Z-score and word list recall Z-score during the follow-up period. LimitationsConsidering that AD progresses slowly, a longer follow-up period may be required. ConclusionsOur findings showed differences in the extent of change of neuropsychological test results depending on the severity of depressive symptoms and presence or absence of brain amyloidopathy. Our results suggest that clinicians might explore the underlying neuropathology when assessing older adults with concomitant depression and cognitive impairment, even if the symptoms of depression are not severe.

A grocery list learning and memory screening test: Initial performance data stratified by age and IQ

Patients frequently verbalize memory complaints that require evaluation. A brief objective screening test of short-term aka episodic memory would be useful. Assessment of verbal episodic memory is a central factor in neurocognitive status, frequently evaluated with list learning and memory tests. Currently, normed list learning tests of verbal episodic memory are mostly high demand, long, and composed of unrelated items and thus can be onerous and disinteresting for certain populations, such as those who are cognitively limited, elderly, or poorly motivated. Presented here are initial performance data for a brief, low demand, readily accepted nine-item grocery list test, derived from the Dementia Assessment Battery, including three learning trials and one delayed recall trial. With this data set, the test can thus be useful in a wide range of assessment circumstances including screening, brief evaluations, mental status evaluations, and bedside deployment.

Home-Based Self-Administration of a Computerized Cognitive Tests of List Learning and Memory using Speech Recognition

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study is to evaluate the reliability and validity of the ReVeReTM word list recall test (RWLRT), which uses speech recognition, when administered remotely and unsupervised. METHODS: Prospective cohort study. Participants included 249 cognitively intact community dwelling older adults. Measures included clinician administered neuropsychological assessments at baseline and unsupervised remotely administered tests of cognition from six time-points over sixmonths. RESULTS: The RWLRT showed acceptable validity. Reliability coefficients varied across time points, with poor reliability between times 1 and 2 and fair-to-good reliability across the remaining five testing sessions. Practice effects were observed with repeated administration as expected. DISCUSSION: Unsupervised computerized tests of cognition, particularly word list learning and memory tests that use speech recognition, have significant potential for large scale early detection and long-term tracking of cognitive decline due to AD.

Is there a combined effect of depression and cognitive reserve on cognitive function? Findings from a population-based study

Objective To analyse the combined effect of depression and cognitive reserve (CR) on cognition over a three-year follow-up period; and to explore this relationship specifically in individuals aged 65+ years. Design Data from the ‘Edad con Salud’ project were analysed (n = 1,144; 50+ years). Main Outcome Measures The Composite International Diagnostic Interview was used to evaluate depression. CR was assessed with the Cognitive Reserve Questionnaire. Episodic memory was assessed with the word list memory and recall. Verbal fluency was measured through the animal naming task. Random coefficient regression analyses were performed. Results Depression was associated with lower scores in episodic memory, whereas increased levels of CR were related with higher scores across all the cognitive tests. Among older-aged individuals, cognition decreased at lower levels of CR regardless of depression, while participants with depression exhibited decreased values in both measures of memory at higher levels of CR. Conclusion Depression and CR were related with cognitive performance. Among older individuals, those with low levels of CR may constitute a vulnerable group with poor cognitive prognosis, whilst a harmful effect of depression on memory performance was observed among individuals with greater CR. Further evidence needs to be gathered to understand these associations.

The effect of early list manipulations on the DRM illusion.

The Deese-Roediger-McDermott (DRM) paradigm is widely used to study false memory in the laboratory. It tests memory for lists of semantically related words (correct list item memories) and their non-presented associates (false lure memories). Evidence suggests that early items in DRM lists could make an especially significant contribution to false memories of lures, as they may critically influence the underlying associative activation and/or gist extraction processes. The present study tested this suggestion by using two manipulations that were intended to affect processing of early DRM list items. The first was interpolation of a semantically unrelated distractor item among the list items (Experiments 1 and 2). The second was arranging for these items to be either the strongest or weakest associates of the lure (Experiment 2). In Experiment 1, a distractor item reduced both list item and lure recall when presented early in a DRM list, but selectively disrupted list item recall when presented late in the list. In Experiment 2, arranging for the early list items to be the weakest associates of the lure reduced false recall of the lure but had no effect on list item recall. The findings are discussed with respect to theories that explain false memory in the DRM protocol, including fuzzy trace theory (FTT) and activation-monitoring theory (AMT). They are also discussed with respect to general theories of memory and the potential role of category/context information in generating false memories.

In (deficit) schizophrenia, a general cognitive decline partly mediates the effects of neuro-immune and neuro-oxidative toxicity on the symptomatome and quality of life.

Schizophrenia and deficit schizophrenia are accompanied by neurocognitive impairments. The aim of this study was to examine whether a general factor underpins impairments in key Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) probes, verbal fluency test (VFT), world list memory (WLM), True Recall, and mini mental state examination (MMSE). We recruited 80 patients with schizophrenia and 40 healthy controls. All patients were assessed using CANTAB tests, namely paired-association learning, rapid visual information processing, spatial working memory, one touch stockings of Cambridge, intra/extradimensional set-shifting (IED), and emotional recognition test. We found that a general factor, which is essentially unidimensional, underlies those CANTAB, VFT, WLM, True Recall, and MMSE scores. This common factor shows excellent psychometric properties and fits a reflective model and, therefore, reflects a general cognitive decline (G-CoDe) comprising deficits in semantic and episodic memory, recall, executive functions, strategy use, rule acquisition, visual sustained attention, attentional set-shifting, and emotional recognition. Partial least squares analysis showed that 40.5% of the variance in G-CoDe is explained by C-C motif ligand 11, IgA to tryptophan catabolites, and increased oxidative toxicity, and that G-CoDe explains 44.8% of the variance in a general factor extracted from psychosis, hostility, excitation, mannerism, negative symptoms, formal thought disorders, and psychomotor retardation, and 40.9% in quality-of-life scores. The G-CoDe is significantly greater in deficit than in nondeficit schizophrenia. A common core shared by a multitude of neurocognitive impairments (G-CoDe) mediates the effects of neurotoxic pathways on the phenome of (deficit) schizophrenia.

The episodic flanker effect: Memory retrieval as attention turned inward.

This article tests the conjecture that memory retrieval is attention turned inward by developing an episodic flanker task that is analogous to the well-known perceptual flanker task and by developing models of the spotlight of attention focused on a memory list. Participants were presented with a list to remember (ABCDEF) followed by a probe in which one letter was cued (# # C # # #). The task was to indicate whether the cued letter matched the letter in the cued position in the memory list. The data showed classic results from the perceptual flanker task. Response time and accuracy were affected by the distance between the cued letter in the probe and the memory list (# # D # # # was worse than # # E # # #) and by the compatibility of the uncued letters in the probe and the memory list (ABCDEF was better than STCRVX). There were six experiments. The first four established distance and compatibility effects. The fifth generalized the results to sequential presentation of memory lists, and the sixth tested the boundary conditions of distance and flanker effects with an item recognition task. The data were fitted with three families of models that apply space-based, object-based, and template-based theories of attention to the problem of focusing attention on the cued item in memory. The models accounted for the distance and compatibility effects, providing measures of the sharpness of the focus of attention on memory and the ability to ignore distraction from uncued items. Together, the data and theory support the conjecture that memory retrieval is attention turned inward and motivate further research on the topic. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).

Order effects in bilingual recognition memory partially confirm predictions of the frequency-lag hypothesis

ABSTRACT The present study examined task order, language, and frequency effects on list memory to investigate how bilingualism affects recognition memory. In Experiment 1, 64 bilinguals completed a recognition memory task including intermixed high and medium frequency words in English and another list in Spanish. In Experiment 2, 64 bilinguals and 64 monolinguals studied lists with only high frequency English words and a separate list with only low frequency English words, in counterbalanced order followed by a recognition test. In Experiment 1, bilinguals who completed the task in the dominant language first outperformed bilinguals tested in the nondominant language first, and order effects were not stronger in the dominant language. In Experiment 2, participants who were tested with high frequency word lists first outperformed those tested with low frequency word lists first. Regardless of language and testing order, memory for English and high frequency words was lower than memory for Spanish and medium frequency (in Experiment 1) or low frequency (in Experiment 2) words. Order effects on recognition memory patterned differently from previously reported effects on picture naming in ways that do not suggest between language interference and instead invite an analogy between language dominance and frequency of use (i.e., dominant language = higher frequency) as the primary factor affecting bilingual recognition memory.

Design and Implementation of Memory Assistant Based on Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve

In view of the single stereotype of memorizing knowledge points with the help of traditional books and easy to distract attention in the process of memorizing with the help of mobile phones and computers, a mobile handheld device, memory assistant, is designed and developed based on Ebbinghaus forgetting law curve, embedded software and hardware development technology, and memory list cycle pushing intelligent algorithm designed by forgetting curve law as the core. The experiment shows that the device is convenient and flexible like electronic devices such as mobile phones and computers, and also has the characteristics of high efficiency and concentration of book memorizing, at the same time, scientific and reasonable learning plan can effectively improve the efficiency of users’ Recitation and memory.

Методи та структури даних для реалізації бази даних рекомендаційної системи соціальної мережі

The goal of this work is to research and program implementation of methods and data structures for building a database of a recommendation system in order to compare the efficiency of their use in terms of time and memory costs. The presence of a large number of different methods of database implementation necessitates a comparative analysis and selection of the optimal method and data structure for storing information in recommendation systems. A research on various data structures that can be used to create a recommendation system database, in particular, the linked list, unrolled linked list, hash table, B-tree, B+-tree, and binary decision diagram were examined was conducted. A series of experiments on a software simulation model of a recommendation system with a different number of agents, items and sessions was also carried out. The following research results were obtained. According to the results of the experiments, the unrolled linked list showed the best time and memory effectiveness. The B+-tree structure showed results close to a hash table. The access time to an individual element is stable in both cases, but the B+-tree has certain advantages – the elements are kept sorted, and when resizing, there is no need to expand the memory area. The worst results were shown by the data structure of the binary decision diagram, both in terms of time consumption and memory consumption. Profiling showed that 75% of the test run time for the option with an unrolled list was taken by generating random data for software simulation of agents and items of the recommendation system, therefore, the data warehouse itself has high performance indicators. Profiling of the variant with an inverted list showed that access to random blocks takes longer due to the inability to cache them, therefore, under real load conditions, the time for inserting new data will be longer, and the relative efficiency of using the inverted list will increase. For the most efficient use of memory, the block size of the linked list should be adapted so that the blocks are as full as possible. Small blocks reduce memory waste, but increase the time to traverse all the elements of the list and increase memory overhead.

Association between self‐reported night sleep duration and cognitive function among older adults with intact global cognition

The purpose of this study was to clarify the association between self-reported night sleep duration and cognitive functions such as word memory, story memory, attention, executive function, and processing speed of older adults with normal global cognitive function. A total of 241 functionally independent older adults (mean age, 75.5 ± 6.4 years) participated in this study. No participants had a history of dementia diagnosis, and each had a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥ 24. Participants were evaluated for self-reported sleep duration and cognitive function using the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology-Functional Assessment Tool (NCGG-FAT). The longest sleep duration group (≥9 h) had lower MMSE scores (p = 0.010), Z-score of word list memory II (delayed recall; p = 0.001), and Z-score of story memory II (delayed recognition; p = 0.002) than the medium sleep duration group (7-8 h). Longest and long sleep duration (8-9 h) was significantly associated with impairment of story memory II (longest sleep duration: adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 3.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.13-11.37, long sleep duration: adjusted OR = 4.30, 95% CI = 1.34-13.82) with reference to medium sleep duration, but no impairment of MMSE according to multiple logistic regression analysis. Furthermore, short sleep duration (<7 h) was not associated with cognitive impairment. This study suggests that long sleep duration is associated with cognitive impairment, especially of story memory (delayed recognition) in older adults with normal global cognitive function.

Three types of white matter hyperintensities have different effects on depression and cognitive function in patients with CADASIL

AbstractBackgroundWhite matter hyperintensities (WMH) according to the distance to the ventricle have been associated with different clinical, histopathological, and etiological correlates, which may provide the clues for understanding pathophysiology of many geriatric syndromes associated with WMH. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of WMH on depression and cognitive function in patients with CADASIL according to the locations of WMH.Method84 subjects with CADASIL, aged 34–86 years, participated in this study. They underwent comprehensive clinical evaluation, including 3T MRI and genotyping of NOTCH3. With new subclassification of WMH (Kim, 2008), WMH were subclassified into juxtaventricular WMH (JVWMH), periventricular WMH (PVWMH), and deep WMH (DWMH) according to the distance to the ventricle. Lesions were segmented by the lesion prediction algorithm (Schmidt, 2017, Chapter 6.1) as implemented in the LST toolbox version 3.0.0 (www.statistical‐modelling.de/lst.html) for SPM. WMH volume was corrected as a ratio of the WMH volume to total intracranial volume.ResultUsing linear regression model after controlling for age, only JVWMH volume was associated with the scores of geriatric depression scale (GDS) (p=0.027) and CES‐D (p=0.041) among 3 types of WMH. There were no association trends between DWMH volume and scores of GDS (p=0.641) and CES‐D (p=0.427). After controlling age, education and sex, JVMMH volume was associated with poor performances in Categorical Verbal Fluency Test (cVFT) (P=0.013), 15‐item Boston Naming Test (sBNT) (P=0.020), Word List Memory Test (WLMT) (P=0.006), Word List Recall Test (WLRT) (P=0.010), Constructional Recall Test (CRT) (P=0.012), and Trail Making Test A and B (TMT‐A and TMT‐B) (p=0.003, p=0.004). PVWMH volume was associated with poor performances with in cVFT (P=0.027) and WLMT (P=0.031). DWMH volume had no associations with the scores of CERAD neuropsychological tests.ConclusionJVWMH are closely associated with depression and various domains of cognitive function. However, DWMH have no association with both depression and cognitive decline. 3 Types of WMH have different effects on depression and cognitive function in patients with CADASIL.

Vascular cognitive impairment due to dilated perivascular spaces in putamen: Connections with the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and neurological deficits

AbstractBackgroundAnatomical studies in animals have described multiple striatal circuits and suggested that sub‐components of the striatum project to distinct cortical areas. Researchers that reconstructed tracts of the left and right putamen have shown ipsilateral projections to the primary motor area, primary somatosensory area, supplementary motor area, premotor area, cerebellum, thalamus and prefrontal cortex (specifically to the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex). The ventrolateral prefrontal cortex appears to have a specific role in spatial processing and memory retrieval.MethodCase report and analyses of MR Images (T1, T2 and Flair) of a patient presenting with vascular cognitive impairment due to dilated perivascular spaces in putamen bilaterally.ResultMale patient, 81 years‐old, right‐handed, with four years of formal education and high cerebrovascular risk. His cognitive complaints began twelve years ago, and worsened in the last two years (losing personal belongings inside his own house, sometimes forgetting names of well‐known persons, with word finding difficulties). He denied impairment in activities of daily living, was able to organize his home budget, take his medications and go to the market alone. Now, he is physically and intellectually active (walking, reading newspapers, and talking about Philosophy), and still drives cars. His CDR score is 0.5, and his MMSE score is 29 (with 3 points in evoked memory). Word List Memory Task (Immediate Recall):4/5/8 (intrusion of "vessel" in the first two lists); Evocation:6 (intrusion of "vessel"); Recognition:10; Verbal Fluency (Animals):20; Verbal Fluency (Fruits):9. MR (10/15/2018): mild supratentorial microangiopathy; encephalomalacia/gliosis in the vermis and the left cerebellar hemisphere; Fasekas = 1 / Scheltens = 1 (bilaterally); bilateral supratentorial dilated perivascular spaces, particularly in the putamen.ConclusionOur patient does not have dementia, regardless of more than ten years of cognitive impairment. Bilateral dilated perivascular spaces in the putamen may cause deficits in memory retrieval and spatial processing. Neuropsychological evaluations must consider specific areas of brain injury. Our patient has impaired memory retrieval (with false memories verified by constant intrusions in the Word List Memory Task), and the high occurrence of losing personal belongings inside his house can be due to difficulties in spatial processing (mental map of positions of items in space).

Emotional memory processing in post-traumatic stress disorder affected Colombian youth.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a neuropsychological condition caused by exposure to chronic stressors and extreme trauma. In past decades, Colombia (South America) has experienced high levels of armed conflict, which created an environment of chronic stress, resulting in an increased incidence of PTSD in children. Limited research exists on the effects of PTSD on emotional memory functioning of these Colombian youth living in chronically stressful environments. In the present study, 23 PTSD affected youth and 26 controls were asked to recall items from a memorised word list, as well as remembering details from a short emotional story. Although no significant differences were found for word list memory, deficits for emotional story content were found in the PTSD youth, particularly for facts involving negative emotional details. The latter may suggest a deficit in executive functioning for the integration of emotionally laden stimuli, perhaps induced as a by-product of their traumatic experiences.

Remote Ecological Momentary Testing of Learning and Memory in Adults With Serious Mental Illness.

Smartphone-based ecological mobile cognitive tests (EMCTs) can measure cognitive abilities in the real world, complementing traditional neuropsychological assessments. We evaluated the validity of an EMCT of recognition memory designed for use with people with serious mental illness, as well as relevant contextual influences on performance. Participants with schizophrenia (SZ), schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder (BD) completed in-lab assessments of memory (Hopkins Verbal Learning Test, HVLT), other cognitive abilities, functional capacity, and symptoms, followed by 30 days of EMCTs during which they completed our Mobile Variable Difficulty List Memory Test (VLMT) once every other day (3 trials per session). List length on the VLMT altered between 6, 12, and 18 items. On average, participants completed 75.3% of EMCTs. Overall performance on VLMT 12 and 18 items was positively correlated with HVLT (ρ = 0.52, P < .001). People with BD performed better on the VLMT than people with SZ. Intraindividual variability on the VLMT was more specifically associated with HVLT than nonmemory tests and not associated with symptoms. Performance during experienced distraction, low effort, and out of the home location was reduced yet still correlated with the in-lab HVLT. The VLMT converged with in-lab memory assessment, demonstrating variability within person and by different contexts. Ambulatory cognitive testing on participants' personal mobile devices offers more a cost-effective and "ecologically valid" measurement of real-world cognitive performance.