Memory Test Scores Research Articles

Macular Damage in Glaucoma is Associated With Deficits in Facial Recognition

This report examines the relationship between glaucomatous macular damage and facial recognition. In addition, it assesses the role of contrast sensitivity (CS) as an intermediary step in the causal pathway between macular damage and impairment of facial recognition. Prospective cross-sectional study. This study was conducted in a single tertiary care center. The study population included 144 eyes of 72 participants with a diagnosis of open angle glaucoma in one or both eyes and a visual acuity of 20/40 or better in each eye. The presence or absence of macular damage was determined by comparing corresponding regions of the retinal nerve fiber layer and the retinal ganglion cell layer with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography with the 10-2 visual field (VF). Better and worse eye was determined by 10-2 VF mean deviations (MDs). Interventions were 1) macular function as measured by 10-2 VF and 2) CS as measured by the Freiburg Visual Acuity and Contrast Test (FrACT). The primary outcome measure was the Cambridge Face Memory Test (CFMT) score. Regardless of eye, there was a significant correlation between facial recognition and 10-2 VF MD (P < .0001 better, worse eye). The 10-2 VF MD remained a significant predictor of facial recognition after adjusting for potential confounders including glaucoma severity, CS, age, and visual acuity (P= .004 better eye, P= .019 worse eye). Even with good central visual acuity, patients with glaucomatous macular damage exhibit diminished facial recognition, which is partly mediated through diminished CS.

Executive function predicts decline in mobility after a fall: The MYHAT study.

Evidence suggests that better cognitive functioning is associated with better mobility in older age. It is unknown whether older adults with better cognitive function are more resilient to mobility decline after a fall. Participants from the Monongahela Youghiogheny Healthy Aging Team (MYHAT) study were followed annually for up to 9years for incident falls. We examined one-year (mean 1.0year, SD 0.1) change in mobility pre- to post-fall using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) in relation to pre-fall cognition (executive function, attention, memory, and visuospatial function) among incident fallers (n=598, mean age 79.1, SD=7.0). Linear regression models tested the association of cognition with change in TUG. Interaction terms were tested to explore if age, sex, body mass index, physical activity, depressive symptoms, or visual acuity modified the associations of cognition and mobility among fallers. The association between cognition and one-year change in TUG was also tested in a comparison sample of non-fallers (n=442, mean age 76.3, SD=7.2). Overall, mobility decline was greater in fallers compared to non-fallers. In fully-adjusted models, higher executive function, but not attention, memory, or visuospatial function, was associated with less decline in mobility among incident fallers. The effect was significantly stronger for those who were older, sedentary, and had lower body mass index. Higher scores in memory tests, but not in other domains, was associated with less mobility decline among non-fallers. Higher executive function may offer resilience to mobility decline after a fall, especially among older adults with other risk factors for mobility decline. Future studies should assess whether executive function may be a helpful risk index of fall-related physical functional decline in geriatric settings.

Accelerated long-term forgetting is not evident in adults with genetic generalized epilepsy irrespective of the paradigm used

Accelerated long-term forgetting (ALF) is a recently discovered memory disorder characterized by intact acquisition and retention over short delays, followed by abnormally fast rates of forgetting. Accelerated long-term forgetting has been repeatedly found in children, but not in adults, with genetic generalized epilepsy (GGE). It is possible that this discrepancy is due to a difference in paradigms used in these studies. The current study aimed to determine whether adults with GGE displayed ALF using two paradigms, one that required complete learning and another one that did not. In addition, we explored the relationships with everyday memory difficulties, working memory, mood, and epilepsy variables. Fourteen adults with GGE were compared with 16 healthy controls on two verbal memory tests: a modified version of the California Verbal Learning Test learned to a criterion of 100% (complete learning) and Logical Memory from the Wechsler Memory Scale (Fourth Edition) presented only once (incomplete learning). Recall was tested at 2 min, 30 min, and 1 week, and recognition at 1 week only. Working memory, everyday memory, and mood were also assessed. We found no evidence of ALF on either of the two verbal memory paradigms on recall or recognition tests although patients displayed significantly poorer working memory. Moreover, patients with GGE reported significantly more memory difficulties in everyday life, and these were associated with greater mood disturbances but not with memory tests scores. Greater number of antiepileptic drugs and epilepsy severity also related to memory scores on some tests. Our study suggests that a difference in paradigms used to investigate ALF in children and adults with GGE is unlikely to explain the differences in findings. The study tentatively raises a hypothesis that developmental factors may play a role in ALF in patients with GGE; children with GGE may grow out of ALF. Nevertheless, this hypothesis would need to be tested in a longitudinal study that would follow patients from childhood to early adulthood.

Effect of Age-Related Hearing Loss on Neuropsychological Test Performance

Effect of Age-Related Hearing Loss on Neuropsychological Test Performance

The effect of "mavizˮ on memory improvement in university students: A randomized open-label clinical trial.

Numerous studies demonstrated the effect of grape on memory improvement. According to Iranian traditional medicine, "mavizˮ as a specific type of dried grapes can effectively improve memory. However, there is no reported clinical trial on the effect of "mavizˮ on memory improvement in humans. Hence, this study was conducted to investigate "mavizˮ effect on memory in university students. This randomized open-label clinical trial was conducted on a total number of 53 students of Shahed University, Tehran, Iran, from November 2017 to February 2018. The participants were randomly allocated into an intervention group (receiving "mavizˮ, 25 g in the morning for 4 weeks) or a control group (who did not take "mavizˮ). The Digit Span Task and the N-Back Task were used for the measurement of working memory at the pre- and post-intervention stages. According to the results, no significant differences were found between the two groups regarding age, gender, marital status, and initial working memory test scores. "mavizˮ consumption produced a highly significant improvement in total working memory score in the Digit Span Task (5.18 vs. 2.35, p<0.001) and Acoustic Memory Span (1.29 vs. 0.62, p=0.021). Moreover, "mavizˮ consumption significantly increased the percentage of true responses in the N-Back Task and reduced the mean reaction time in the first level of the task. "mavizˮ consumption was improved working memory in young healthy adults.

CLU rs11136000 promotes early cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease.

The C allele of the rs11136000 genetic variant of the clusterin gene has been associated with increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. However, a comprehensive characterization of the role of this genetic variant in early cognitive deterioration in PD is lacking. Using the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative database, we compared baseline and 5-year cognitive performance between high-risk and low-risk clusterin genotypes. At baseline, recently diagnosed and drug-naive de novo PD patients with the high-risk clusterin genotype showed lower cognitive scores in memory and executive function tests. These differences were even higher at the 5-year follow-up, when they showed a higher prevalence of clinically diagnosed mild cognitive impairment or dementia. They also showed cortical thinning at baseline and increased annual thinning in frontal and posterior cortical regions. Our results provide evidence of this clusterin genotype promoting early cognitive deterioration in PD, but further research is needed to delineate the specific neurodegenerative pathways underlying this clinical association. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Comparison of effects of amitriptyline and venlafaxine on cognitive and psychomotor functions in healthy volunteers: A randomized parallel group study

Background: Antidepressant drugs cause various degree of psychomotor and cognitive function impairment. Aim and Objective: The objective of the study was to compare effects of amitriptyline and venlafaxine on cognitive and psychomotor functions in healthy volunteer. Materials and Methods: A prospective double-blind parallel group study involving 28 participants was carried in the clinical pharmacology laboratory. Participants were divided in two groups of 14 each and given single oral doses of amitriptyline 100 mg and venlafaxine 75 mg. Participants undergone battery of cognitive-psychomotor function tests at baseline and 2, 6-, and 24-h post-drug administration and analyzed. Results: Mean age of the participants was 21.93 ± 0.47 years with no significant difference at baseline for psychomotor functions (P > 0.05). Both amitriptyline and venlafaxine affect psychomotor and cognitive function significantly (P < 0.05). On comparing the effects of two drugs on psychomotor functions, at 2 h only statistically significant difference found in memory test score (7.50 ± 1.51 with amitriptyline vs. 9.14 ± 1.10 with venlafaxine, P = 0.003). At 6 h, only statistically significant difference found in six letter cancellation test (SLCT) net score (116.21 ± 36.25 with amitriptyline vs. 145.43 ± 28.12 with venlafaxine, P = 0.025). Memory score improves at 2 h with venlafaxine as compared to amitriptyline while SLCT improves at 6 h with venlafaxine. Twenty-two participants (12 from Group A vs. 10 from Group B, P < 0.05) developed adverse drug event. Sedation and dry mouth were common among amitriptyline group while nausea, vomiting, and muscular pain were common among venlafaxine group. Conclusions: Both amitriptyline and venlafaxine affect psychomotor functions but deterioration is more in amitriptyline group. Venlafaxine can be better therapeutic option with less deteriorating effect on psychomotor functions and less adverse drug reactions.

VASCULAR RISK FACTORS AND COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS IN THE PATIENTS WITH CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASE

The aim: To assess the severity of cognitive impairment (CI) in patients with cerebrovascular disease (CVD) depending on the number of vascular risk factors (VRF). Materials and methods: The study consisted of five hundred and eighty patients with CVD (247 females and 333 males) aged from 45 to 89 years (mean age: 64,1±8,9 years). The patients were divided into 6 groups (I, II, III, IV, V, VI) depending on the number of VRF. The examination consisted of a standard clinical evaluation, neurological examination, the application of neuropsychological tests (the MMSE; the PALT/The Paired Associates Learning Test; clock drawing test), laboratory tests, MRI of brain. Results: According to ANOVA, the greater the number of VRF the patients had, the lower was their total MMSE score corresponding to more pronounced cognitive decline (F=2,97, p=0,012). A significant negative correlation between patients' age and their MMSE score was detected regardless of their VRF count. The patients of the V and VI groups had substantially lower parameters of immediate, delayed memory and clock drawing test score comparing to the patients of the I group. Conclusions: The presence of 4 and more VRF was related to more pronounced CI in the patients with CVD. Decline of different aspects of memory, attention, spatial orientation, abstract thinking, planning, concentration, executive and visuospatial skills in groups of patients with 4,5 and 6 vascular risk factors was established. Age was substantially associated with cognitive decline in all the group of patients.

Executive functioning affects verbal learning process in multiple sclerosis patients: Behavioural and imaging results.

Verbal learning and memory deficits are among the most frequent in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) and have been shown to be affected by deficits in other cognitive domains, such as information processing speed and executive functioning (EF). In the present study, we aimed to further investigate the differential impact that EF may exert on verbal learning and memory on both behavioural and neural levels. Seventy pwMS were assessed with a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests, including tests of verbal memory (Selective Reminding Test; SRT) and EF (Stroop test; Phonemic and Alternate Verbal Fluency; Modified Five-Point Test). Structural 3Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were available for 68 patients; cortical thickness of several frontal, pre-frontal, and hippocampal regions was calculated. Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that patients' performance on Alternate Fluency Test predicted both their immediate (SRT-LTS: R2 =.38; p<.001; SRT-CLTR: R2 =.42; p<.001) and delayed (SRT-D: R2 =.39; p<.001) verbalmemory performance. In addition, we found a significant relationship between the cortical thickness of the hippocampus and several bilateral frontal areas (i.e., anterior cingulate gyrus, superior and inferior frontal gyrus, medial frontal cortex, and frontal pole) with verbalmemory tests scores (SRT-LTS: R2 =.45; p<.001; SRT-CLTR: R2 =.52; p<.001; SRT-D: R2 =.49; p<.001). These behavioural and MRI results suggest that EF significantly impacts verbal memory performance in pwMS. The understanding of the complex interaction between these distinct cognitive domains can help foster the development of memory rehabilitation paradigms that take into account also the role of executive functioning.

Trends in the Use of Medications and Supplements to Treat or Prevent Dementia: A Population-based Study.

To examine older adults' use over time of agents to treat or prevent dementia or enhance memory. Longitudinal community study with 10-year annual follow-up (2006-2017). Population-based cohort. A total of 1982 individuals with a mean (SD) age of 77 (7.4) years at baseline. Demographics, self-report, direct inspection of prescription antidementia drugs and nonprescription supplements, cognitive and functional assessments, Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR®) Dementia Staging Instrument. Supplement use was reported by 27% to 42% of participants over 10 years. Use was associated with younger age, high school or greater education, good to excellent self-reported health, higher memory test scores, and absence of cognitive impairment or dementia (CDR=0). Over the same period, about 2% to 6% of participants took prescription dementia medications over 10 years. Use was associated with lower memory test scores, at least mild cognitive impairment (CDR≥0.5), fair to poor self-rated health, and high school or lesser education. The use of both prescription drugs and supplements increased over time, except for decreases in ginkgo and vitamin E. Prescription drug use appeared in line with prescribing guidelines. Supplement use was associated with higher education and better self-rated health; it persists despite a lack of supportive evidence.

Verbal memory and hippocampal volume predict subsequent fornix microstructure in those at risk for Alzheimer\u2019s disease

While strong cross-sectional evidence supported the use of fornix microstructure as a marker for detecting Alzheimer’s disease (AD), longitudinal data remains inconclusive on the sequential nature of fornix microstructure abnormalities and AD progression. An unequivocal longitudinal relationship between fornix microstructure and markers of AD progression –memory impairment and hippocampal atrophy, must be established to validate fornix microstructure as a marker of AD progression. We included 115 participants from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative across the non-demented AD spectrum— defined as those who had at least one AD risk marker at baseline (e.g., mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD diagnosis, amyloid or ApoE4 positivity) and/or ‘cognitively normal individuals who converted to MCI due to AD or AD, with structural and diffusion tensor imaging scans at baseline and two years follow-up. Hippocampal volumes (HV), fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) in the fornix were extracted. Memory was indexed via composite scores of verbal memory tests. Structural equation models tested the bidirectional cross-lagged effects of fornix microstructure, memory, and HV. Impaired memory and smaller HV at baseline significantly predicted worse fornix microstructure (decreased FA and increased MD) two years later. Baseline fornix microstructure was not associated with subsequent changes in memory and HV. Fornix microstructure is compromised likely at a later stage, where significant decline in memory and hippocampal atrophy have occurred. This limits the utility of fornix microstructure in the early detection of AD. Our findings inform the possible pathophysiology and refined the use of AD neural markers.

Memory improvement in African Americans with amnestic mild cognitive impairment.

Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) has an uncertain course. Valid methods to evaluate memory change will best identify predictors of course. This issue is especially relevant to older persons in minority groups, who may have encountered life course factors that adversely affect cognition. Growth curve mixture models were used to identify trajectories of memory test scores obtained every 6 months over 2 years in 221 African Americans with aMCI. Participants sorted into two classes, with clinically and statistically significant differences in memory scores over time. Class 1 (n = 28 [14.7%]) had sustained improved scores. Class 2 (n = 162 [85.3%]) scores remained low, fluctuated, or declined. Class 1 had better baseline cognition and daily function than class 2. The observed rate of improved memory is lower than reported reversion rates from aMCI to normal cognition. Evaluating trajectories of memory test scores rather than changes in categorical diagnoses of aMCI, which may depend on recalling (or not recalling) one or two words, may yield a more valid indicator of cognitive change. These approaches require further study in minority groups.

Effects of Anthocyanin Supplementation on Serum Lipids, Glucose, Markers of Inflammation and Cognition in Adults With Increased Risk of Dementia - A Pilot Study.

BackgroundAnthocyanins may protect against cardiovascular related cognitive decline and dementia.ObjectiveOpen-label study to measure changes in serum lipids, glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and markers of inflammation after anthocyanin supplementation in people with increased risk of dementia. As a secondary endpoint we examined potential changes in a battery of cognitive test in the anthocyanin group (AG). A total of 27 individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (n = 8) or stable non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) (n = 19) consumed two Medox® capsules, each containing 80 mg of natural purified anthocyanins, twice daily for 16 weeks. They provided blood samples and performed a short battery of cognitive tests. Twenty healthy normal controls (NC) (n = 20) provided blood samples, but did not receive any intervention and did not perform cognitive tests.ResultsThere was a significant difference between groups for monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1) and fasting glucose. In addition, total cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly increased in the AG. Improvements in memory and executive test scores were observed. No adverse effects were reported.ConclusionThe results of this pilot study were largely inconclusive with regard to the potential protective effects of anthocyanin supplementation. However, anthocyanins were well tolerated, and compliance was high. Larger, placebo-controlled studies to explore the potential effects of anthocyanins on dementia risk are encouraged.Clinical Trial Registrationwww.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT02409446

Activated Microglia in Cortical White Matter Across Cognitive Aging Trajectories

Activation of microglia, the primary mediators of inflammation in the brain, is a major component of gliosis and neuronal loss in a number of age-related neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The role of activated microglia in white matter, and its relationship with cognitive decline during aging are unknown. The current study evaluated microglia densities in the white matter of postmortem specimens from cognitively normal young adults, cognitively normal older adults, and cognitive “SuperAgers,” a unique group of individuals over age 80 whose memory test scores are at a level equal to or better than scores of 50-to-65-year-olds. Whole hemisphere sections from cognitively normal old, young, and “SuperAgers” were used to quantify densities of human leukocyte antigen-D related (HLA-DR)-positive activated microglia underlying five cortical regions. Statistical findings showed a significant main effect of group on differences in microglia density where cognitively normal old showed highest densities. No difference between SuperAgers and young specimens were detected. In two autopsied SuperAgers with MRI FLAIR scans available, prominent hyperintensities in periventricular regions were observed, and interestingly, examination of corresponding postmortem sections showed only sparse microglia densities. In conclusion, activated microglia appear to respond to age-related pathologic changes in cortical white matter, and this phenomenon is largely spared in SuperAgers. Findings offer insights into the relationship between white matter neuroinflammatory changes and cognitive integrity during aging.

Comprehension of Legal Language by Adults With and Without Traumatic Brain Injury.

To characterize comprehension of written legal language in adults with and without traumatic brain injury (TBI). Nineteen adults with moderate-to-severe TBI (11 females) and 21 adults without TBI (13 females), aged 24 to 64 years. Participants completed a multiple-choice assessment of legal-language comprehension, with written stimuli either presented in their original legal form or manipulated to simplify syntax or use more frequently occurring words. Across stimulus types, TBI group participants were significantly less accurate and slower than comparison peers, with no effect of linguistic manipulation. Working memory and reading fluency test scores correlated with task accuracy and speed in both groups. Adults with TBI underperformed their uninjured peers in both accuracy and speed on a task of legal-language comprehension, and these differences were attributable in part to differences in working memory and reading fluency. Results highlight the potential costs of TBI-related communication problems in criminal proceedings and the need to formally evaluate language comprehension in individuals with TBI who are in the criminal justice system.

AFFECTIVE DISTURBANCE IN MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT

Introduction Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an identifiable, prodromal stage of cognitive impairment. To better identify the differences in patients with MCI, the diagnosis has been further defined into subtypes: amnestic, language, executive functioning, and multi-domain/mixed MCI (Jak et al. 2009). Determining these subtypes can be helpful in predicting the trajectory and prognosis of a patient's disease. Affective disturbance can be present in a number of different types of dementia and MCI and carries significant stress to both the patient and caregivers. The most common mood changes occur as depression, anxiety, apathy, and irritability (Hwang et al., 2004, Rozzini et al., 2008, Lulio et al., 2010). The appearance of these symptoms has been found in up to 50% of patients with dementia prior to the onset of neurocognitive symptoms and has been related to a more rapid neurocognitive decline (Trivedi et al., 2013, Gallagher et al. 2017). Consequently, there has been an increased interest in identifying both neurocognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms as early as possible for quicker intervention. Previous papers have looked at affective disturbance in an individual subtype of MCI but not the differences between subtypes. The purpose of this study is to (1) examine the differences in depression, anxiety, and apathy between MCI subtypes; and (2) assess the relationship between the neurocognitive domains (executive functioning, language, and episodic memory) and affective symptoms. We hypothesize that apathy will be greater in dysexecutive/mixed MCI (dys/mixed MCI) and related to greater neurocognitive deficits compared to depression or anxiety. Methods This is a retrospective study of 111 patients from the New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging Memory Assessment Program (MAP) who were administered a comprehensive neuropsychological protocol assessing executive functioning, language, and episodic memory. All tests were administered by an experienced neuropsychologist. Patients meeting criteria for dementia were excluded. Affective symptoms of depression, anxiety, and apathy were assessed by caregiver report using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). Differences in age, gender, and instrumental activities of daily living were also recorded. Using Jak, Bondi (2009) criteria neuropsychological test performance categorized patients as presenting with non-MCI (patients that do not meet MCI criteria), amnestic MCI (aMCI), or a combined dys/mixed MCI. Patients were assigned to the aMCI group if memory test scores were more than one standard deviation below the normative values in 2 of 3 episodic memory parameters. Patients were assigned to the dys/mixed MCI group if the test scores were more than one standard deviation below the normed mean in 2 of 3 tests across multiple neurocognitive domains. Patients with dysexecutive and mixed MCI were combined due to the small number of patients meeting criteria for dysexecutive MCI. Prior research has shown that dysexecutive MCI and mixed MCI patients present with similar patterns of impairment on executive tests (Bondi et al., 2014, Thomas et al., 2017, & Eppig et al., 2012). Results The three MCI groups will be compared on symptoms of depression, anxiety, and apathy as measured by the NPI, using analysis of co-variance. A second analysis will look at the three tests that comprise each of the three cognitive domains as they are related to anxiety, depression, and apathy using a step-wise multiple regression. Conclusions We hypothesize that apathy will be greater in dysexecutive/mixed MCI (dys/mixed MCI) and related to greater neurocognitive deficits compared to depression or anxiety. The results and conclusion will be completed soon for the poster as well as submission for publication. This research was funded by All resources were supplied by the Departments of Geriatrics, Gerontology, and Psychology, New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging, Rowan University-School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA.

STROKE IMPACT ON THE COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS OF MOROCCAN NEURO-LESIONED PATIENTS IN THE GHARB REGION

Stroke (ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke) is a sudden-onset neurological deficit resulting from focal vascular lesions. This is due to a clot-induced obstruction of a vessel (ischemic stroke) or a rupture of a vessel causing haemorrhage (hemorrhagic stroke). The management of neuro-injured patients (AVC) is a major public health problem. The principal aim of this study is to evaluate the short and long term neuropsychological sequences following a neurological accident of neuro-injured patients hospitalized at the Kenitra Provincial Center (Morocco) in comparison with the control group. We tested 34 stroke patients, with an average age sample of 59.12 years, for a standard deviation of 14.35 with extremes between 32 and 82 years. Of these patients, 20 were female (58.82%) and 14 male (41.18%). The sex ratio is 0.7 in favour of the female sex. Both the neuro-lesioned patients and the control group benefited from neuropsychological tests. In the neurocognitive evaluation we used three neuropsychological tests: (a) The bell test or non-verbal bell dam test allows for a selective, visuospatial and strategic attentional evaluation; (b) Raven's test focuses on the nonverbal neuropsychological intelligence where the subject is led to analyze and solve each test problem based on inductive reasoning; (c) The digit memory test is a test to evaluate the short-term verbal memory and working memory capabilities of stroke patients. Our results showed through the various neurocognitive tests that our stroke patients obtained lowers score, compared to the control group (p &lt;0.05). Raven Standard Progress Matrix Test Scores (SPMR):(Mean-Patients = 32.49, SD = 7.43 &lt; Mean-Controls = 42.01, SD = 3.98). Digit Memory Test scores: Forward digit span (Mean-Patients = 2.21, SD = 0.5 &lt;Mean-Controls = 2.65, SD = 0.49). Backward digit span (Mean-Patients = 1.74; SD = 0.6 &lt;Mean-Controls = 2.41, SD = 0.5). Bell test (Mean-Patients = 24.35; SD = 2.62 &lt; Mean-Controls = 30.18; SD= 2.52). The patient quality of life is consequently highly affected. Rehabilitation was effective and is very important because it improves cognitive functions such as nonverbal skills, visuospatial and strategic attention, along with the digit memory equally improving patient quality of life.

Regression-based formulas for predicting change in memory test scores in healthy older adults: Comparing use of raw versus standardized scores

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Standardized regression based (SRB) methods can be used to determine whether meaningful changes in performance on cognitive assessments occur over time. Both raw and standardized scores have been used in SRB models but it is unclear which score metric is most appropriate for predicting follow-up performance. The aim of the present study was to examine differences in SRB prediction formulas using raw versus standard scores on two memory tests commonly used in assessment of older adults.Method: The sample consisted of 135 healthy older adults who underwent baseline and 1-year follow-up neuropsychological assessment including the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test–Revised and Brief Visuospatial Memory Test–Revised. Regression models were fit to predict Time 2 scores from Time 1 scores and demographic variables. Separate models were fit using raw scores and standardized scores. Akaike’s information criterion (AIC) was used to determine whether models using raw or standardized scores resulted in best fit. Pearson correlation and intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated between observed and predicted scores. Mean differences between observed and predicted scores were examined using pairwise t tests. To investigate whether a similar pattern of results would be evident using prediction formulas for nonmemory tests, all analyses were also conducted for nonmemory tests.Results: All regression models were significant, and R2 values for memory test raw score models were larger than those generated by standardized score models. Memory test raw score models were also a better fit based on smaller AIC values. For nonmemory tests, raw score models did not consistently outperform standardized score models. All correlations between observed and predicted Time 2 scores were significant, and none of the predicted scores significantly differed from their respective observed score.Conclusion: For each memory measure, raw score models outperformed standardized score models. For nonmemory tests, neither score metric model consistently outperformed the other.

Optimisation of birth weight and growth in the first 2 years favours an adult body composition which supports more physiological resting metabolic rates and cognitive function : Tanjungsari Cohort Study (TCS).

Resting metabolic rate and cognitive function may be associated with several factors, such as birth weight, growth, and fat-free mass in adulthood. The Tanjungsari Cohort Study (TCS) of 1988, to do with a maternal-child Risk Approach Strategy (RAS), provided the opportunity to determine the associations between birth weight, growth at 2 years, and body composition with adult resting metabolic rate and cognitive function. In 2009 some 197 and, in 2017,144 of these representative participants from the TCS were assessed for energy intake, anthropometry, body composition, indirect calorimetry, and cognitive function in relation to low (ALBW, n=66) or normal (ANBW, n=78) birth weight. Associations were adjusted for basic demographic data. Resting metabolic rate was positively associated with birth weight, body weight at 2 years of age, body mass index and fat free mass in adult life. Time to finish the Trail Making Test-A (TMT-A), a test of attention span, was significantly longer in the ALBW than the ANBW group (41.4±12.8 vs 37.8±15.6, p=0.005). In the ALBW group, weight catch-up improved TMT-A and logical memory test scores (29.5 vs 34.9.41, p=0.004; and 39.3 vs 29.4, p=0.04, respectively). Low birth weight was associated with poorer attention span in adult life; body weight gain at 2 years of age with better attention and memory function in adult life; a greater body mass index in adult life with better memory in adult life.

Visuospatial computer game play after memory reminder delivered three days after a traumatic film reduces the number of intrusive memories of the experimental trauma

ObjectiveThe experience of intrusive memories is a core clinical symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and can be distressing in its own right. Notions of dual task interference and reconsolidation-update mechanisms suggest novel approaches to target intrusive memories. This study tested the hypothesis that a single-session cognitive intervention (memory reminder task plus Tetris gameplay) would reduce the occurrence of experimental trauma memories even when delivered 3 days post-trauma. Critically, this study tested effects against two control groups: Reminder-only, and reminder plus another computer game (a form of Quiz). Methods86 healthy volunteers (59% female, age M = 24.35, SD = 4.59 years) watched a trauma film and then recorded their intrusive memories in a diary for 3 days (pre-intervention). They then returned to the lab. After presentation of visual reminder cues for the film plus a 10 min wait period (memory reminder task), participants were randomized into one of three task conditions (Tetris game play, Quiz game play, vs. reminder-only). They then kept the diary for a further 3 days (post-intervention). ResultsAs predicted, after the experimental manipulation, the reminder + Tetris group experienced significantly fewer intrusions than the reminder-only group (d = 1.37). Further, the reminder + Tetris group also experienced significantly fewer intrusions than the reminder + Quiz (d = 0.65) group. Contrary to predictions, the reminder + Quiz group experienced significantly fewer intrusions than the reminder-only group (d = 0.69). Prior to the experimental manipulation, there was no significant difference between groups in number of intrusions. Recognition memory test scores for facts of the trauma film after 6 days were comparable between groups. ConclusionsWe demonstrated that 3 days after experimental trauma (i.e. after memory consolidation) an intervention comprising a reminder task prior to a 15 min cognitive interference task (one of two computer games) led to a reduction in intrusion occurrence compared to reminder only. We interpret and discuss our findings within the framework of supposed reconsolidation-update mechanisms and competition for limited (visuospatial) working memory resources. Should these effects hold true in clinical populations, this type of simple intervention approach could help contribute to reducing intrusive memories of trauma.