Memory Skills Research Articles

B - 54 The Influence of Executive Functioning on Long-Term Memory.

The aim of the study is to measure how executive functioning predicts performance on a measure of delayed memory. Data was selected from a de-identified database of clinical adults. The sample chosen (N = 438) comprised of mixed psychiatric adults consisting of Caucasians (N = 193, M_edu =13,42% male & 58% female), African Americans (N = 88, M_edu = 12, 52.1% males & 47.8% females), Hispanics (N&#3f111, M_edu =13,53.5% male & 46.4% female), and Other (N = 47, M_edu =13,38.4% male & 61.6% female). All participants were administered the WMS-IV, Stroop, WCST, and Category. Multiple hierarchical regressions were run to test the influence executive functioning has on both immediate and long-term memory when controlling for age and education. In the final model for immediate memory, the following predictors were significant: Category test sr = 0.465, Stroop: Color/Word sr = 0.607, and WCST sr = -0.518. For delayed memory the following was significant, Category test sr = 0.430, Stroop: Color/Word sr = 0.491, and WCST sr = -0.461. Executive functions utilized on Stroop Color/Word, WCST, and Category directly influence memory skills. Pattern switching between trials on the WCST and Category requires remembering the patterns throughout each trial. Stroop Color/Word requires remembering the rule to read the color of the printed word rather than the printed word itself. These executive functioning measures also require a degree of memory skills which are directly linked to the memory performance on the WMS-IV. The study did not differentiate effects between immediate and delayed memory but demonstrated memory abilities in general. Strong executive functioning capacities are predictive of strong memory capabilities due to high-level cognition abilities.

A - 160 Cognition over Time in Chronic sTBI with Non-Neurologic Comorbidities in Residential NeuroRehab.

Traumatic brain injury has been associated with increased risk of many comorbid neurologic and non-neurologic disorders (Masel & DeWitt, 2010). There is scant literature, however, to describe serial assessment of cognitive changes associated with comorbid non-neurologic disorders and sequelae in patients with chronic, severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI). A 60-year-old, right-handed, White male sustained an sTBI at age 15 secondary to a motor vehicle collision and subsequently developed behavioral and substance use problems, before being placed in a long-term residential neurorehabilitation program. He later developed kidney disease, believed to be the result of long-term use of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) that were prescribed to control seizures that developed following his brain injury. He continued to experience seizures, despite taking AEDs. Staff at his residential program reported concerns of declines in cognition and daily functioning over the past three years. Compared to results from two previous evaluations performed approximately four and six years prior, he demonstrated reductions in attention and working memory, processing speed, executive functioning, auditory and reading comprehension, and functional living skills. Expressive language, memory, and visuospatial skills were generally consistent with previous evaluations. Due to significant reductions across multiple cognitive domains, and multiple potential contributing factors, including ongoing seizures, late-stage kidney disease, and a possible superimposed neurodegenerative disorder, it was recommended that the patient continue to undergo serial neurocognitive testing to monitor for further decline and provide etiological clarification. The results were used by his therapists, residential program staff, and neurology providers to inform his treatment planning and care.

Disrupted functional connectivity of the habenula links psychomotor retardation and deficit of verbal fluency and working memory in late-life depression.

Functional abnormalities of the habenula in patients with depression have been demonstrated in an increasing number of studies, and the habenula is involved in cognitive processing. However, whether patients with late-life depression (LLD) exhibit disrupted habenular functional connectivity (FC) and whether habenular FC mediates the relationship between depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment remain unclear. Overall, 127 patients with LLD and 75 healthy controls were recruited. The static and dynamic FC between the habenula and the whole brain was compared between LLD patients and healthy controls, and the relationships of habenular FC with depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment were explored by correlation and mediation analyses. Compared with the controls, patients with LLD exhibited decreased static FC between the right habenula and bilateral inferior frontal gyrus (IFG); there was no significant difference in dynamic FC of the habenula between the two groups. Additionally, the decreased static FC between the right habenula and IFG was associated with more severe depressive symptoms (especially psychomotor retardation) and cognitive impairment (language, memory, and visuospatial skills). Last, static FC between the right habenula and left IFG partially mediated the relationship between depressive symptoms (especially psychomotor retardation) and cognitive impairment (verbal fluency and working memory). Patients with LLD exhibited decreased static FC between the habenula and IFG but intact dynamic FC of the habenula. This decreased static FC mediated the relationship between depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment.

Effects of acute moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on cognitive function in E-athletes: A randomized controlled trial.

E-sports require athletes to have high-speed reflexes and excellent memory skills. Whereas a single session of aerobic exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function, this paper aims is to investigate the effects of acute moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on the cognitive function of e-sports players and its time-course characteristics. Thirty-four E-athletes were divided into 2 groups according to a random number table method, and 2 trials in a quiet physical fitness gym. The duration of each trial was approximately 1 hour. In the first trial: exercise group (64-76% of maximum heart rate for 30 minutes power cycling) and control group, cognitive function was tested, and results were automatically recorded before, immediately after, and 30 minutes after exercise using the human benchmark website (https://humanbenchmark.com). The second trial crossed and swapped the interventions of the 2 groups, and the other test protocols were the same as the first. In both trials, the exercise intervention group showed significant improvements in speed accuracy (P < .001, Cohen's d = 1.406, 95% CI: 0.717-2.072; P = .005, Cohen's d = 0.782, 95% CI: 0.227-1.319), visual memory (P < .001, Cohen's d = 1.416, 95% CI: 0.725-2.086; P = .015, Cohen's d = 0.662, 95% CI: 0.127-1.181), and reaction time (P < .001, Cohen's d = 1.265, 95% CI: 0.610-1.898; P<.001, Cohen's d = 0.979, 95% CI: 0.386-1.551) immediately after exercise compared to baseline. The exercise intervention group also showed significant improvement in speed accuracy 30 minutes after exercise compared to baseline (P = .002 Cohen's d = 0.869, 95% CI: 0.298-1.421; P = .009, Cohen's d = 0.722, 95% CI: 0.177-1.249). In the first trial, the exercise intervention group showed significant improvements in visual memory and reaction time immediately after exercise compared to the control group (P = .013, Cohen's d = 0.904, 95% CI: 0.190-1.605; P = .027, Cohen's d = 0.796, 95% CI: 0.090-1.490). The exercise intervention group also showed significant improvement in reaction time 30 minutes after exercise compared to baseline (P = .009, Cohen's d = 0.719, 95% CI: 0.174-1.246). There was no effect of exercise on sequence memory or the chimp test in both trials (P > .05). Sequence effect analysis showed no influence on the order of the exercise intervention in both trials (P = .912; P = .111; P = .226). Acute moderate-intensity aerobic exercise significantly enhanced the speed accuracy, visual reaction time, and instantaneous memory of eSports players, and the effect could be extended up to 30 minutes after exercise.

Evaluation of Verbal Working Memory and Phonemic Analysis Skills in Adolescents with Cochlear Implant.

Introduction Adolescents with cochlear implants may have difficulty developing language and memory abilities. Objective The primary objectives of this study are (1) to evaluate the language skills and verbal working memory performance of early and late diagnosed-intervened cochlear implanted adolescents and (2) to investigate the relationship between the verbal working memory and phonemic analysis skills in adolescents with cochlear implant. Methods This study included 72 participants with cochlear implant aged between 10 and 18 years. The participants were divided into two groups; those who had first hearing aid at the age of 6 months at the latest and had a first cochlear implant in at least one ear at the latest at 24 months were included in the early group, all the others were in the late group. The phonemic analysis test, a subtest of the test of language development: Primary, 4th edition (TOLD: P-4) - Turkish version, was used to assess language-based abilities, and the meaningless word repetition (MWR) test was utilized to assess verbal working memory. Results The adolescents with cochlear implants who received early diagnosis and intervention performed statistically significantly better in phonemic analysis scores and verbal working memory tests ( p < 0.001). A statistically significant relationship was found between phonemic analysis and verbal working memory skills (Pearson, r = 0.567 and r = 0.659, p < 0.001). Conclusions Rehabilitation of phonological skills can contribute to the development of verbal working memory in adolescents with cochlear implants. There is a need for further studies on this issue with more detailed tests.

The blended teaching mode and its impact on students’ psychological anxiety

Background Anxiety and depression are common psychological disorders among adolescents, mainly caused by internal factors such as individual personality and physical and mental health, as well as external influences from family, school, and society. The manifestations on students are firstly pressure such as academic discomfort and confusion about future employment; and secondly anxiety and fear towards interpersonal relationships and interactions with people surroundings. The study uses psychological intervention to treat students with psychological anxiety in order to alleviate their symptoms and maintain a sound mental health.Subjects and Methods60 students aged 10-14 from a certain school were chosen and divided into a male group of 30 and a female group of 30. Before and after treatment, the Simplified Mental State Score (MMSE) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores of adolescents were performed, and the effects of single drug treatment and combination treatment were compared. Finally, SPSS 23.0 was used for data analysis, and the measurement data were expressed in the form of mean ± standard deviation and t-test was used.ResultsThe MMSE scores of single drug therapy and combination therapy before treatment were analyzed as t=0.01 and P&gt;0.05, while the PSQI scores were analyzed as t=0.02 and P&gt;0.05; The data analysis of MMSE scores for single drug therapy and combination therapy after treatment was t=4.39, P&lt;0.05, and the data analysis of PSQI scores was t=6.02, P&lt;0.05. The best effect of combination therapy was summarized.ConclusionsPsychological anxiety problems among students often affect their cognition, memory, and life skills. Medication and psychological intervention can alleviate students’ anxiety and improve their quality of life.Acknowledgement Central Party School, research on digital agriculture in the context of rural revitalization (No. 2023DXXTZDDYKT126); Party School of Liaoning Provincial Committee, strengthen the strategic research of agricultural strong province supported by digital technology (No.ZKLM23002); Research on the key technology of traffic big data fusion mining under the background of epidemic prevention and control normalization (No. L22AGL002).

Art Therapy through Doodle Art Media in Increasing Learning Concentration Children with ADHD

The importance of guiding students in increasing their concentration in learning is the task of an educator. Learning can be digested well when students have adequate concentration and absorption in paying attention to the teacher when explaining the material in front of the class. However, this is certainly different from children with disabilities who require a special approach to be able to receive learning material well. This research aims to see the effectiveness of art therapy using doodle art as a medium, which is expected to improve the concentration of children with ADHD. The research method uses qualitative with a case study approach, to see how the implementation of art therapy improves children's learning concentration. The results of the research show that art therapy with doodle art is able to increase concentration in children with ADHD in the memory aspect, attitude aspect and skill aspect. This approach is chosen according to the conditions and needs of the child, freeing the child to express himself in the doodle art media. It is very effective to see the attitude and enthusiasm of the students during the learning process, they really enjoy it and can relate well to the experiences gained during the learning activities.

Meningkatkan Memori Jangka Pendek pada Anak Autis dengan Senam Otak

Problems were found in the low short-term memory abilities of autistic children. Brain gym consisting of simple movements can activate and balance all dimensions of the brain, thus stimulating short-term memory. The research aims to determine the effect of brain gym on short-term memory skills in children with autism spectrum disorder. Participants were 16 children that were divided into two groups (experiment and control) with mild autistic severity, aged 7-12 years, had low short-term memory skills and had never received brain exercise intervention before. The research method is quasi-experimental design, with two groups, namely the experimental group that was given treatment and the control group that was not given treatment. This study used a brain gym module, and short-term memory measurement with the WISC-R Digit Span. This study consisted of a pre-test, a brain gym treatment carried out by a certified therapist for 10 sessions within 3 weeks and the last was a post-test. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Test nonparametric data analysis technique. The results of the analysis showed that there was a difference with a score of Z = -2.585 (Asymp. Sign. 0.010 &lt;0.05) in the short-term memory abilities of autistic children who were included in the experiment group. Which means that giving brain gym was effective to improve short-term memory skills in autistic children. Whereas in the control group who were not treated, short-term memory abilities did not change (steady).

The Impact of Computer Games on Cognitive Performance in Pupils

This study investigated the effects of changing the computer game that adolescents play on their cognitive abilities, including concentration, memory, and problem-solving skills at a high level of thinking. The study included a group of 38 adolescents aged 12-13. The "source and imitation" game was employed to test concentration, the "Simon-flashing detection" game to assess memory, and mathematical tasks at an advanced level to evaluate problem-solving skills. The findings of the study indicate that children who played Fortnite for 15 minutes experienced a significant increase in their concentration levels by approximately 43.4 % and by 74 % in memory levels after engaging in a session of Solitaire. Furthermore, the study also examined high-order learning skills in solving mathematical questions, particularly focusing on analysis and mathematical insight. The findings suggest that the time required to solve mathematical problems after playing Fortnite decreased by 41.5 % after engaging in a session of Solitaire, indicating enhanced efficiency in solving higher-order problems. The results demonstrated a substantial improvement in cognitive abilities after playing a challenging computer game compared to a violent computer game. This suggests that engaging in thinking and challenging games significantly enhances the subjects' cognitive abilities. The increase in efficiency in solving higher-order mathematical problems may be attributed to the improvements in memory and concentration among children who played intellectually stimulating and challenging computer games. Therefore, it is recommended to reduce adolescents' exposure to violent computer games and increase their exposure to thinking and challenging games to create a balanced gaming experience.

Applications of Extended Reality in Orthopaedic Surgery.

➤ Extended reality is a term that encompasses different modalities, including virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality.➤ Although fully immersive virtual reality has benefits for developing procedural memory and technical skills, augmented and mixed reality are more appropriate modalities for preoperative planning and intraoperative utilization.➤ Current investigations on the role of extended reality in preoperative planning and intraoperative utilization are still in the early stages, but preliminarily show that extended reality technologies can help surgeons to be more accurate and efficient.

Assessing handwriting task difficulty levels through kinematic features: a deep-learning approach.

Introduction: Handwriting is a complex task that requires coordination of motor, sensory, cognitive, memory, and linguistic skills to master. The extent these processes are involved depends on the complexity of the handwriting task. Evaluating the difficulty of a handwriting task is a challenging problem since it relies on subjective judgment of experts. Methods: In this paper, we propose a machine learning approach for evaluating the difficulty level of handwriting tasks. We propose two convolutional neural network (CNN) models for single- and multilabel classification where single-label classification is based on the mean of expert evaluation while the multilabel classification predicts the distribution of experts' assessment. The models are trained with a dataset containing 117 spatio-temporal features from the stylus and hand kinematics, which are recorded for all letters of the Arabic alphabet. Results: While single- and multilabel classification models achieve decent accuracy (96% and 88% respectively) using all features, the hand kinematics features do not significantly influence the performance of the models. Discussion: The proposed models are capable of extracting meaningful features from the handwriting samples and predicting their difficulty levels accurately. The proposed approach has the potential to be used to personalize handwriting learning tools and provide automatic evaluation of the quality of handwriting.

Multiple sclerosis and quality of life: The role of cognitive impairment on quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis

BackgroundMultiple Sclerosis (MS), a chronic disease of the central nervous system (CNS), affects functional ability and quality of life (QoL). Depression, fatigue, and disability status are among the many factors that have been shown to impact QoL in people with MS, but the extent to which MS-related cognitive impairment is related to QoL is understudied in the literature. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine relevant predictors of QoL from a wide list of symptoms including physical disability, and a multi-dimensional computerized cognitive assessment battery (CAB), depression, fatigue, and demographic variables (including employment status). In addition, the unique predictive power of cognitive impairment on QoL was explored in relation to other common factors of disease impact. Methods171 people with MS (PwMS) were evaluated with a computerized assessment battery (CAB), EDSS examination, and validated Patient Reported Outcome (PRO) measures (Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale, MSIS-29; Beck Depression Inventory – Second Edition BDI-2; and the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, MFIS). Results171 PwMS were included [Age: 46.02 years ± 9.85, 124 (72.5%) female]. Depression and fatigue scores were highly correlated with MSIS-29. EDSS, unemployment, memory, executive functioning, and motor skills were moderately correlated with MSIS-29. Predictors of QoL were EDSS, depression, fatigue, executive functioning, and attention. Attention and executive functioning were predictive of QoL even after controlling for demographic variables, fatigue, depression, and physical disability status. ConclusionFindings indicate the need for comprehensive and quantified evaluation of all factors associated with disease burden, which will ultimately serve to improve the QoL in PwMS through more targeted and patient-centered care.

Cognitive effect of antiseizure medications in medial temporal lobe epilepsy.

The specific effects of antiseizure medications (ASMs) on cognition are a rich field of study, with many ongoing questions. The aim of this study was to evaluate these effects in a homogeneous group of patients with epilepsy to guide clinicians to choose the most appropriate medications. We retrospectively identified 287 refractory patients with medial temporal lobe epilepsy associated with hippocampal sclerosis. Scores measuring general cognition (global, verbal and performance IQ), working memory, episodic memory, executive functions, and language abilities were correlated with ASM type, number, dosage and generation (old vs. new). We also assessed non-modifiable factors affecting cognition, such as demographics and epilepsy-related factors. Key parameters were total number of ASMs and specific medications, especially topiramate (TPM) and sodium valproate (VPA). Four cognitive profiles of the ASMs were identified: (i) drugs with an overall detrimental effect on cognition (TPM, VPA); (ii) drugs with negative effects on specific areas: verbal memory and language skills (carbamazepine), and language functions (zonisamide); (iii) drugs affecting a single function in a specific and limited area: visual denomination (oxcarbazepine, lacosamide); and (iv) drugs without documented cognitive side effects. Non-modifiable factors such as age at testing, age at seizure onset, and history of febrile seizures also influenced cognition and were notably influenced by total number of ASMs. We conclude that ASMs significantly impact cognition. Key parameters were total number of ASMs and specific medications, especially TPM and VPA. These results should lead to a reduction in the number of drugs received and the avoidance of medications with unfavorable cognitive profiles.

Metacognitive skills and working memory in children with ADHD and the ICTs’ Role

Metacognition and working memory from executive functions are higher order cognitive processes that undergo steady improvements throughout childhood. They are of great importance for daily functioning in a variety of domains, including academic achievement. Both concepts have been intensively researched, but little literature has attempted to link them theoretically and empirically. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a high prevalence and high heterogeneity, which is identified as early as childhood, causing problems in almost every aspect of the ADHD child's life. In this paper, we will present research data from around the world that link working memory and metacognitive skills to the development or management of ADHD.

Effect of pesticides on phosphorylation of tau protein, and its influence on Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and neurodegenerative illness which results in alterations in cognitive development. It is characterized by loss/dysfunction of cholinergic neurons, and formation of amyloid plaques, and formation of neurofibrillary tangles, among other changes, due to hyperphosphorylation of tau-protein. Exposure to pesticides in humans occurs frequently due to contact with contaminated food, water, or particles. Organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids and neonicotinoids are associated with the most diagnosed incidents of severe cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of these pesticides on the phosphorylation of tau protein, and its cognitive implications in the development of AD. It was found that exposure to pesticides increased the phosphorylation of tau protein at sites Ser198, Ser199, Ser202, Thr205, Ser396 and Ser404. Contact with these chemicals altered the enzymatic activities of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta, and protein phosphatase-2A. Moreover, it altered the expression of the microtubule associated protein tau gene, and changed levels of intracellular calcium. These changes affected tau protein phosphorylation and neuroinflammation, and also increased oxidative stress. In addition, the exposed subjects had poor level of performance in tests that involved evaluation of novelty, as test on verbal, non-verbal, spatial memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.

A Multi-Layered Approach for Detecting Alzheimer's Disease (AD) Using Deep Learning Model

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic brain disorder that affects the brain cells finally. The common cause of AD is dementia which reduces memory, thinking, behavior, and social skills. All these changes affect a person's ability to function. It is challenging to detect the disease in the early stages. Some of the most common diagnosing techniques are Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT). These techniques provide information regarding the external and internal regions of the brain activities for diagnosing AD. Sometimes with the above methods, it is impossible to analyze AD accurately. The retina is a significant part of the eye which provides the vision to humans. Several studies made that the retina reveals that AD patients have some variations in the retina layers in addition to brain changes. Therefore, the retina becomes a biomarker for diagnosing AD. There are different techniques available for an eye examination. Most noticeable are Fundus Imaging and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). This paper introduces multi-layered Deep Learning (MLDL) to diagnose AD in the early stages from retinal abnormalities. Results show that the proposed approach achieved 98.7% accuracy in detecting AD.

Classification of Mild Cognitive Impairment with Deep Transfer Learning Approach using CWT based Scalogram Images

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a condition that can occur as a person gets older, and faces problems like recognition, memory, and language skills. Early detection of MCI is crucial, as it can progress to more severe conditions like Alzheimer's disease. This study proposes a method to use Scalogram images, obtained by applying Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) to EEG signals and pre-trained models like ResNet50, VGG16, InceptionV3, Inception_ResNetV2 through transfer learning to classify MCI and Healthy Control (HC). Fine-tuning of the models is also used to improve the results, and various performance metrics are employed for classification. The study concludes that Inception_ResNetV2 transfer learning yielded good results, while ResNet50 and InceptionV3 transfer learning with fine-tuning resulted in higher accuracy using a low learning rate.

Memory and Executive Function Development in Baby 12-24 Months: A Screening Method by Mothers

The development of memory and executive function in infants is significant for the development of the same aspects at a later stage since during this stage of development, infants are actively developing their core executive function and memory skills. However, research on these two aspects in infants aged 12-24 months in the Indonesian context is still rare. Furthermore, the availability of screening instruments that can be used by mothers to monitor the development of the two aspects is limited. This study aims to develop a method of screening on memory development and executive function that mothers can use for their babies aged 12-24 months. By knowing their child's development in the domain-specific exhibited by the Deferred imitation (DI) task and the A-not-B task, mothers can better understand and obtain feedback regarding their child's development milestones, particularly memory development and executive function. Mothers (N=21) who were involved in this study, filled in pre and post-tests on memory and executive function development, received training to conduct screening by carrying out those 2 tasks to their babies. The mothers were asked to fill in the maternal responsiveness scale to find out the extent of the mother's response rate during interactions with their babies and to see the relationship between their responsiveness and the results of the screening. This study employed a within-subject pre-and posttestdesign. Data were analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Qualitative data were gathered through Focus Group Discussion to explore the experiences of mothers when conducting tasks and screening on their babies. The results of this study indicate that the screening method can help maternal participants identify the emergence of memory abilities and executive skills. The screening method used is quite easy and can be carried out by the participants in daily life. However, they need to read the module several times to understand the procedures. Additional analysis showed that maternal responsiveness was associated with a child's better ability to shift from condition A to condition B, but did not confirm an association with DI.

Whole-brain structure-function coupling abnormalities in mild cognitive impairment: a study combining amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations and voxel-based morphometry.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), one of the leading diseases of the nervous system, is accompanied by symptoms such as loss of memory, thinking and language skills. Both mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and very mild cognitive impairment (VMCI) are the transitional pathological stages between normal aging and AD. While the changes in whole-brain structural and functional information have been extensively investigated in AD, The impaired structure-function coupling remains unknown. The current study employed the OASIS-3 dataset, which includes 53 MCI, 90 VMCI, and 100 Age-, gender-, and education-matched normal controls (NC). Several structural and functional parameters, such as the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF), voxel-based morphometry (VBM), and The ALFF/VBM ratio, were used To estimate The whole-brain neuroimaging changes In MCI, VMCI, and NC. As disease symptoms became more severe, these regions, distributed in the frontal-inf-orb, putamen, and paracentral lobule in the white matter (WM), exhibited progressively increasing ALFF (ALFFNC < ALFFVMCI < ALFFMCI), which was similar to the tendency for The cerebellum and putamen in the gray matter (GM). Additionally, as symptoms worsened in AD, the cuneus/frontal lobe in the WM and the parahippocampal gyrus/hippocampus in the GM showed progressively decreasing structure-function coupling. As the typical focal areas in AD, The parahippocampal gyrus and hippocampus showed significant positive correlations with the severity of cognitive impairment, suggesting the important applications of the ALFF/VBM ratio in brain disorders. On the other hand, these findings from WM functional signals provided a novel perspective for understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms involved In cognitive decline in AD.

A direct comparison of two measures of ordinal knowledge among 8-year-olds

Children’s knowledge of the ordinal relations among number symbols is related to their mathematical learning. Ordinal knowledge has been measured using judgment (i.e., decide whether a sequence of three digits is in order) and ordering tasks (i.e., order three digits from smallest to largest). However, the question remains whether performance on these two ordinal tasks tap into similar cognitive processes. Canadian children (N = 87; Age M = 8.7 years, Grade 3) completed symbolic number tasks (i.e., number comparison, ordering, and order judgment) and measures of arithmetic fluency (i.e., addition and subtraction) and working memory (i.e., digit span backward). For both ordinal tasks, there was a reverse distance effect for ordered sequences such that children responded faster to adjacent than to non-adjacent sequences (e.g., 2 3 4 vs. 4 7 9) and a canonical distance effect for unordered sequences such that children responded faster to non-adjacent than to adjacent sequences (e.g., 4 2 3 vs. 4 9 7). Working memory and number comparison each predicted unique variance in the ordinal measures (ordering, order judgment, and a latent ordinal factor based on the two measures). Furthermore, ordinal skills superseded the role of number comparison as the key predictor of arithmetic, controlling for children’s gender and working memory skills. In summary, although both ordering and order judgment tasks index ordinal knowledge, a latent factor that excludes task-specific error may be a better index than either task separately.