Paired Associate Learning Test Research Articles

Association between arterial health and cognition in adolescents: The PANIC study.

We investigated the associations of the measures of arterial health with cognition in adolescents and whether physical activity (PA) or sedentary time (ST) confounds these associations. One hundred sixteen adolescents (71 boys) aged 15.9 ± 0.4 participated in the study. PA and ST were assessed using a combined accelerometer/heart rate monitor. Overall cognition was computed from the results of psychomotor function, attention, working memory, and paired-associate learning tests. Pulse wave velocity was measured by impedance cardiography, carotid intima-media thickness, and carotid artery distensibility by carotid ultrasonography. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) were measured using an aneroid sphygmomanometer. SBP was inversely associated with overall cognition (standardized regression coefficient [β] = -0.216, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.406 to -0.027, p = 0.025). Pulse wave velocity (β = -0.199, 95% CI -0.382 to -0.017, p = 0.033) was inversely associated with working memory task accuracy. SBP was directly associated with reaction time in the attention (β = 0.256, 95% CI 0.069 to 0.443, p = 0.008) and errors in the paired-associate learning tasks (β = 0.308, 95% CI 0.126 to 0.489, p = 0.001). Blood pressure was inversely associated with overall cognition. PA or ST did not confound the associations. Results suggest that preventing high blood pressure is important for promoting cognition in adolescents.

Visual memory and alcohol use in a middle-aged birth cohort

Light and moderate alcohol use has been reported to be associated with both impaired and enhanced cognition. The purpose of this study was to explore whether there was a linear relationship between visual memory and alcohol consumption in males and females in a large middle-aged birth cohort population in cross-sectional and longitudinal settings. Data were collected from 5585 participants completing 31-year (1997–1998) and 46-year (2012–2014) follow-ups including Paired Associate Learning (PAL) test at 46-years follow-up. The participants were originally from 12,231 study population of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC1966). The PAL test was conducted to assess visual memory. Reported alcohol use was measured as total daily use of alcohol, beer, wine, and spirits converted into grams and as frequency and amount of use of beer, wine, and spirits. The total daily alcohol use was not associated with reduced visual memory. The frequency of use of beer and wine in males was associated with better visual memory in cross-sectional and longitudinal settings. Using six or more servings of spirits was associated with worse visual memory in males in cross-sectional and longitudinal settings. The study suggested a lack of a linear association between drinking and visual memory in the middle-aged population.

Cognitive function and quantitative electroencephalogram analysis in subjects recovered from COVID-19 infection

Background & ObjectivesObjective assessment of post-COVID-19 cognitive dysfunction is highly warranted. This study aimed to evaluate the cognitive dysfunction of COVID-19 survivors with cognitive complaints, both clinically and neurophysiologically, using Quantitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG).MethodsThis case–control study was conducted on 50 recovered subjects from COVID-19 infection with cognitive complaints and 50 age, sex, and educational-matched healthy controls. Both groups were subjected to the following neurocognitive tests: Paired associate learning Test (PALT) and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT). The neurophysiological assessment was also done for both groups using QEEG.ResultsCOVID-19 survivors had significantly lower PALT scores than controls (P < 0.001). QEEG analysis found significantly higher levels of Theta / Beta ratio in both central and parietal areas in patients than in the controls (P < 0.001 for each). The interhemispheric coherence for the frontal, central, and parietal regions was also significantly lower in patients than in the control group regarding alpha and beta bands. There were statistically significant lower scores of PALT and PASAT among cases with severe COVID-19 infection (P = 0.011, 0.005, respectively) and those who needed oxygen support (P = 0.04, 0.01, respectively). On the other hand, a statistically significantly lower mean of frontal alpha inter-hemispheric coherence among patients with severe COVID-19 infection (P = 0.01) and those needing mechanical ventilation support (P = 0.04).ConclusionEpisodic memory deficit is evident in COVID-19 survivors with subjective cognitive complaints accompanied by lower inter-hemispheric coherence in frontal regions. These clinical and neurophysiological changes are associated with hypoxia and COVID-19 severity.

Effect of propofol versus sevoflurane on auditory and cognitive functions: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundHearing loss and cognitive impairment are postoperative complications which need more awareness by anaesthesiologists. We set out to investigate whether sevoflurane or propofol would have a negative impact on auditory function, attention, or auditory memory. This is a prospective randomized controlled study which was conducted on patients who were candidates for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia with either the sevoflurane or the propofol. All included participants were subjected to cognitive and auditory evaluation preoperative and 1 week after the operation. Cognitive assessment included: Paired Associate Learning test (PALT) and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT). Audiological assessment was done by measuring the auditory brainstem response (ABR).ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference between both groups in either age (p value = 0.537) or sex (p value = 0.175). In the propofol group, the postoperative values of LT ABR-I and III were significantly higher than the preoperative ones (p value < 0.001, 0.003), all the postoperative RT ABR waves were significantly higher than the preoperative ones (P < 0.05). In the sevoflurane group, the postoperative values for LTABR-I, III, III–V were significantly higher than the preoperative ones with p value (0.012, 0.008 and 0.009) and the postoperative values for RTABR-III, V, I–III, and III–V were significantly higher than preoperative values (P = 0.041, 0.029, 0.005 and < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences between the propofol and sevoflurane groups in all waves of ABR on both sides (P > 0.05). There was a significant worsening between pre- and postoperative PASAT scores in the propofol and sevoflurane groups, respectively, with p value (< 0.001) with no statistically significant difference between both groups (p value = 0.906). In addition, there was a significant worsening between pre- and postoperative PALT scores in the propofol group only (p value = 0.01) with a statistically significant difference between both groups (p value = 0.038).ConclusionsThere was a statistically significant postoperative impairment in auditory function and attention following both the propofol and sevoflurane anesthesia with no significant difference between the two drugs. Whereas, the auditory memory was significantly impaired following the propofol only.

Comparative effect of deliberate hypotensive anesthesia using nitroglycerine vs. phentolamine on event related potentials and cognitive functions in patients undergoing septoplasty: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPostoperative cognitive dysfunction is a noteworthy complication of deliberate hypotensive anesthesia. The aim of this work was to compare the effect of deliberate hypotensive anesthesia using nitroglycerine versus phentolamine on event-related potentials and cognitive function in patients undergoing septoplasty surgery.MethodsThis prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted on 80 patients indicated for septoplasty under general anesthesia; 40 patients received intra-operative Nitroglycerine and 40 patients received intra-operative Phentolamine. Cognitive assessment (using Paired Associate Learning test (PALT) and Benton Visual Retention test (BVRT)) and P300 recording were done for all included patients pre-operatively and one week postoperatively.ResultsThe scores of PALT and Benton BVRT significantly declined one week following surgery in both Nitroglycerine and Phentolamine groups. There was no statistically significant difference between Nitroglycerine and Phentolamine groups in the postoperative decline in either PALT or BVRT (P-value = 0.342, 0.662 respectively). The values of P300 latency showed a significant delay one week following surgery in both Nitroglycerine and Phentolamine groups (P-value ≤ 0.001, 0.001), but in Nitroglycerine group, the delay is significantly higher than in Phentolamine group (P-value = 0.003). The values of P300 amplitude significantly decreased one week following surgery in both Nitroglycerine and Phentolamine groups (P-value ≤ 0.001, 0.001), but there was no statistically significant difference between Nitroglycerine and Phentolamine groups (P-value = 0.099).ConclusionPhentolamine is preferred over nitroglycerin in deliberate hypotensive anesthesia because it has less harmful effect on cognitive function than nitroglycerin.

Detecting mild cognitive impairment remotely with the modified memory impairment screen by telephone

ABSTRACT The original Memory Impairment Screen by Telephone (MIST) was designed to identify individuals with dementia but was relatively ineffective for identification of less severe impairment observed in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We expanded the original MIST to create a modified instrument (mMIST) with greater sensitivity to less severe memory impairment. Older men and women with subjective cognitive decline were assessed by phone with the mMIST and subsequently classified independently with MCI or non-pathological cognitive decline. Participants with MCI produced lower scores on the mMIST than did participants without MCI, 10.8 ± 2.7 vs 13.3 ± 1.3, t = 5.68, p < 0.001, and performance on the mMIST predicted performances on the California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT), Verbal Paired Associate Learning Test (VPAL), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) total score, and MoCA memory index score, p < 0.001. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses identified the optimal cut score on the mMIST to distinguish participants with and without MCI with Sensitivity = 73.1%, Specificity = 79.1%, and AUC = 0.79. Predictive values for distinguishing the amnestic form of MCI (aMCI) from non-amnestic MCI were Sensitivity = 81.8%, Specificity = 30%, and AUC = 0.82. These findings indicate that the mMIST is a valid screening instrument for identifying MCI. It can be administered remotely at low cost and low participant burden. Also, the mMIST has potential utility for remote cross-sectional and longitudinal evaluation in research and clinical contexts. Further investigation is indicated to corroborate its utility for assessment of aging patients and research participants.

Automating the verbal paired associates test to assess memory remotely and at scale

AbstractBackgroundVerbal neuropsychological tests are sensitive to the early signs of neurodegeneration in older adults. However, their dependence on in‐person testing and manual scoring make them unsuitable for large‐scale screening and home‐based monitoring. To address this, we have developed a fully automated verbal paired associate learning (VPA) test. Here we describe the program of work to refine and validate this task, and ensure suitability of the test for remote, repeat administration.MethodsTwo phases of data collection were carried out. In the first, data was collected from 3,264 participants aged 17–86 years (M = 34.5, SD = 12.32) at home and on their own devices. The automated VPA task comprises eight word‐pairs, learned over three attempts. Automatic speech recognition (ASR) scores responses in real‐time, using the Neurovocalix platform. Following this phase, the task was refined to better enable repeat testing. This included producing a large corpus of algorithmically generated pairs, controlling for important linguistic features (e.g. frequency and concreteness), and adding brief familiarisation to the first visit to increase reliability and stability. We assessed: 1) the accuracy of automated scoring 2) the impact of participant characteristics and task design on performance and consistency 3) participant feedback.ResultsData from the first phase showed excellent correspondence between human and automated scoring of VPA, with a correlation .93 (p &lt; 0.001), and the expected sensitivity to ageing number of task performance. Participant demographics and technology choice did not impact correspondence between ASR scoring and manual scoring. In the second phase data collection, we compared VPA performance in participants with (N = 190) and without (N = 186) prior familiarisation. Familiarisation dramatically improved consistency of participant performance, eliminating the significant effect of task order on performance (F &gt; 100, p &lt; 0.001). Participants reported that they found the task engaging and easy to understand, and repeated testing over five sessions in older adults was well tolerated.ConclusionsTogether, these results demonstrate that remote, automated, voice‐based, cognitive assessments are feasible and acceptable. These methods may therefore be useful in the context of home‐based screening or monitoring in remote clinical trials, enabling longitudinal assessment of memory in AD.

Validity of a remote supervised preclinical Alzheimer’s disease cognitive composite (PACC) score in preclinical and prodromal Alzheimer’s disease.

AbstractBackgroundNeuropsychological tests administered to individuals in locations different from the assessor (i.e., remote assessment) can provide substantial reductions in patient burden, study cost and barriers to access. However, such tests must be optimized and validated for use in remote settings. The preclinical cognitive composite score (PACC) is derived from neuropsychological tests of episodic memory, complex attention, and general mental status. This study determined whether a set of neuropsychological tests of these domains, which can provide a PACC score, can be given in a remote supervised setting and remain sensitive to AD related cognitive impairment.MethodOlder adults classified as cognitively unimpaired (CU, n = 30), preclinical AD (n = 30) or prodromal AD (n = 25), with conventional PACC scores known, completed three computerized tests; the International Shopping list Test (ISLT), Continuous Paired Associate Learning Test (CPAL) and the International Digit Symbol Substitution Test, while supervised by a neuropsychologist in in‐clinic and remote settings. All individuals then completed the remote assessments two more times 7days (+/‐4 days) apartResultMain performance measure from each test on each assessment was standardized using the mean and SD of the CU group, assessed under supervision, at baseline. Standardized scores for each assessment were then averaged to yield a PACC score. There was no difference in rates of missing data or group mean score on individual test scores or PACC score, between in‐clinic and remote settings. Compared to the CU group, impairment in performance on the digital PACC in the prodromal AD was substantial (z = ‐1.56) but equivalent between in clinic (9z = 1.57) and remote (z = ‐1.56) settings. Performance on the digital PACC was slightly worse in the preclinical AD group (z = –0.42) but did not differ for settings. The reliability of the digital PACC score was very high (r = 0.87).ConclusionThe digital PACC derived from neuropsychological tests given in remote supervised contexts is acceptable, valid, reliable and sensitive to AD related cognitive impairment when given in‐clinic or remotely.

Relationship between neuropsychological test scores and hippocampal atrophy in non-demented Japanese older adults

BackgroundIt is essential to detect morphological changes in the brain prior to the onset of cognitive decline. Although hippocampal volumes have been reported to be correlated with scores on neuropsychological tests, this relationship is still unclear among Japanese non-demented older adults. Thus, this exploratory retrospective study aimed to identify neuropsychological tests that correlate with the degree of hippocampal atrophy in Japanese non-demented older adults. MethodsThirteen non-demented Japanese older adults aged 71.2 ± 5.2 years were included. Hippocampal atrophy was evaluated by assessing the participants’ MRI scans using the voxel-based specific regional analysis system for Alzheimer’s disease (VSRAD) software. Spearman’s partial correlation analyses were conducted to reveal relationships between VSRAD scores and neuropsychological test scores, including Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices test (RCPM), the Standard Verbal Paired Associate Learning test (SP-A), and the Trail Making Test (TMT) scores by controlling for age, sex, and years of education. ResultsThe Spearman’s partial correlation analysis results revealed that there were significant correlations between the degree of hippocampal atrophy and RCPM (rho = -0.691, p = 0.027), TMT part B (rho = 0.823, p = 0.003), and the related SP-A test scores (rho = -0.663, p = 0.027). ConclusionsOur results indicate that neuropsychological tests, particularly the TMT part B, might be used in assessing the degree of hippocampal atrophy in non-demented Japanese elderly individuals and should be studied further in the future to develop screening methods to detect brain atrophy.

Relation between Vitamin D level and severity, symptomatology and cognitive dysfunction of Major Depressive Disorder - A sample of Egyptian patients

IntroductionVitamin D helps in the regulation of neurotransmission and neuroprotection. Therefore, vitamin D deficiency might lead to inactivated receptors and may result in depression.ObjectivesThe study assessed the relation between serum level of vitamin D and severity, symptomatology and cognitive dysfunction of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in a sample of Egyptian patients.Methods Serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D were measured with electro-chemiluminescence binding assay technique in 75 patients with major depressive disorder. Patients were recruited from Psychiatry and Addiction Hospital, Kasr Al Ainy outpatient clinic. Patients were subjected to the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders(SCID), Hamilton depression scale (HAM-D), Mini-mental status examination (MMSE), Wechsler memory subtests (story A and paired associate learning test (PALT) ), Benton visual retention test (BVRT) and Trail B test.Results94.6% of patients had vitamin D deficiency. There was no significant correlation between levels of vitamin D and severity of depression according to HAM-D. Regarding symptoms of depression, there was a statistically significant difference between levels of vitamin D, being more deficient with decreased concentration, decreased libido and menstrual disturbances. There was no statistically significant correlation between level of vitamin D and cognitive functions tests.Conclusions Major depressive disorder was associated with vitamin D deficiency but no statistical significant correlation could be established neither between levels of vitamin D and severity of depression nor between levels of vitamin D and cognitive dysfunction. Vitamin D level was statistically correlated with decreased concentration, decreased libido and menstrual disturbances.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Changes in cognitive function after carotid artery revascularization: Clinical significance of Standard Verbal Paired-Associate Learning Test (S-PA)

Changes in cognitive function after carotid artery revascularization: Clinical significance of Standard Verbal Paired-Associate Learning Test (S-PA)

Convergent and Discriminant Validity of Default Mode Network and Limbic Network Perfusion in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment Patients.

Previous studies reported default mode network (DMN) and limbic network (LIN) brain perfusion deficits in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), frequently a prodromal stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the validity of these measures as AD markers has not yet been tested using MRI arterial spin labeling (ASL). To investigate the convergent and discriminant validity of DMN and LIN perfusion in aMCI. We collected core AD markers (amyloid-β 42 [Aβ42], phosphorylated tau 181 levels in cerebrospinal fluid [CSF]), neurodegenerative (hippocampal volumes and CSF total tau), vascular (white matter hyperintensities), genetic (apolipoprotein E [APOE] status), and cognitive features (memory functioning on Paired Associate Learning test [PAL]) in 14 aMCI patients. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was extracted from DMN and LIN using ASL and correlated with AD features to assess convergent validity. Discriminant validity was assessed carrying out the same analysis with AD-unrelated features, i.e., somatomotor and visual networks' perfusion, cerebellar volume, and processing speed. Perfusion was reduced in the DMN (F = 5.486, p = 0.039) and LIN (F = 12.678, p = 0.004) in APOE ɛ4 carriers compared to non-carriers. LIN perfusion correlated with CSF Aβ42 levels (r = 0.678, p = 0.022) and memory impairment (PAL, number of errors, r = -0.779, p = 0.002). No significant correlation was detected with tau, neurodegeneration, and vascular features, nor with AD-unrelated features. Our results support the validity of DMN and LIN ASL perfusion as AD markers in aMCI, indicating a significant correlation between CBF and amyloidosis, APOE ɛ4, and memory impairment.

Sociodemographic, lifestyle and clinical factors associated with good performance in paired associates learning (PAL) test in patients with schizophrenia

IntroductionMemory and learning deficits are central among cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. However, to a varying proportion ca. 20-25% of patients could not be considered deficit.ObjectivesDescription of sociodemographic, lifestyle and clinical factors related to good performance in PAL-test in schizophrenia patients.MethodsParticipants (N=4500) were members of the Finnish SUPER study on the genetic mechanisms of psychotic disorders (SUPER). The database of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC 1966) was utilized as a reference data. Visual memory and new learning were assessed using Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) Paired Associates Learning (PAL) test. The 50th percentile scores (10 error score or less) for outcome measure total errors adjusted (TEA) of NFBC 1966 was used as a cut-off for good performance in PAL test.ResultsThe sociodemographic and lifestyle factors related good performance for both sexes were: younger age (p&lt;.001), higher basic education (p &lt;.001), independent form of dwelling (p&lt;.001), hazardous drinking (p &lt;.001), cannabis use (p &lt;.001) and being married (females p = 0.009, males p = 0.049). The clinical factors related to good performance for both sexes were not using antipsychotic medication regularly (p &lt;.001), not using all psychotropic medication (females p=0.05, males p &lt;.001), less hospitalization times due to psychosis (p &lt;.001), younger age at first hospitalization due to psychosis (p &lt;.001), lower number of hospitalization days (p &lt;.001) and lower percentage of time in hospital after first psychosis episode (p &lt;.001).ConclusionsSeveral factors related to good performance in the PAL–test in the crude analysis without any confounders.

The impact of error of refraction and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness on cognitive functions in adults with bilateral myopia

Objective Myopia is considered one of the main causes of visual impairment with increased prevalence. The main objective of this study was to evaluate and characterize cognitive impairment in adult patients with bilateral myopia, in relation to retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness. Methods Forty patients with bilateral myopia aged 18–40 years, and 40 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were included in the study. For all subjects, cognitive functions were assessed by Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) and Paired Associate Learning test (PALT). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was done for all included patients and controls. Results Among the myopic group, 15 patients had mild myopia, 8 patients had moderate myopia and 17 patients had high myopia. There were significant differences between patients and control groups in terms of cognitive performance and RNFL thickness. There was a significant correlation between the scores of cognitive tests and error of refraction and RNFL thickness. Conclusion Adults with bilateral myopia have cognitive impairment, regarding information processing speed and episodic memory. Cognitive impairment is associated with retinal thinning and a higher degree of myopia.

The twelve months’ follow‐up, second version, after an intervention using a rehabilitation program of physical and cognitive rec‐xercise (REPCREC) for the elderly with mild cognitive impairment (MCI)

AbstractBackgroundWhether our rehabilitation program of physical and cognitive Rec‐Xercise (REPCREC) for the elderly with MCI can bring any difference in cognition and QOL.MethodSubjects are sixty‐nine cases, out of 73 enrolled individuals for more than three years, have undergone our evaluation and intervention program (REPCREC). The subjects have been divided into four groups; group A has taken the cognitive REPCREC, group B physical REPCREC, group C both cognitive and physical REPCREC and group D control. The design of this study is a non‐randomized controlled trial. Three intervention groups have received the each session once per week up to 12 times. Before and after the intervention, and, three, six and twelve months after the intervention, we have evaluated the following items: physical function, Geriatric Depression Scale, POMS2, Visual analog scale (VAS‐1: healthy life, VAS‐2: satisfaction), neuropsychological tests [MMSE, RBMT, TMT, Ravenʼs Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM), Rey‐Osterrieth Complex Figure Test (ROCF), story retention, coding and Miyake's paired verbal associate learning test (MPVALT)]. A one‐day booster program has been provided at the time of evaluation. For statistical analysis, Fisher's exact test and Kruscal‐Wallis test for the baseline data, and linear mixed model (LMM) analysis and Friedman’s test for the prolonged effect of REPCREC have been performed.ResultsThe median age 79.0 years old, median MMSE score 28.0 points, the number of each group is A 22, B 22, C 25, and D 7cases. At the baseline, no difference between groups. LMM analysis revealed the significant difference in RCPM, ROCF (recall), MPVALT (non‐related), MPVALT (related), coding and VAS‐2 (respectively p=0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.001, 0.011 and 0.006). Friedman's test showed significant difference in RCPM of group A (p=0.046) and C (p=0.042), ROCF (recall) group C (p=0.022), VAS‐2 of group A (p=0.013) and C (p=0.011), MPVALT (non‐related) of group A (p=0.007), MPVALT (related) of group A (p=0.016) and C (p=0.048).ConclusionsThe program REPCREC showed the prolonged effects on non‐verbal intelligence, visuospatial abilities, memory, attention, planning, working memory etc. [(RCPM), ROCF (recall), MPVALT] in group A and C comparing with control in the elderly with MCI.

Link between Gastrointestinal Disorder, Memory, EatingBehaviour and Stress

One in five people is affected by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and while there is no definitive treatment, there are ways to take control of the condition and minimize symptoms. IBS is an invisible, fluctuating disease with potentially embarrassing symptoms. The possible causes of IBS such as diet, stress, anxiety, depression are mutually exclusive. Most of the conditions of IBS are multi-causal and causes interact together to trigger symptoms. This retrospective study mostly focuses on illustrating the multi-dimensional view of gastrointestinal disorders (specifically IBS). The aim is to determine the association of irritable bowel syndrome, stress, eating behaviour and memory. In this study, a symptomology questionnaire is designed to assess the type of gastrointestinal disorder based on symptoms, 2 sets of questionnaires are used to measure the level of stress and pattern of eating behaviour, and paired associate learning (PAL) test is conducted in CANTAB to estimate short-term memory. The possible hypothesis for the study is to find a positive interlink between gastrointestinal (GI) disorders (particularly IBS), stress, eating behaviour and short-term memory, as well as to assess and illustrate the level of association and its effect on immunity.

Supplementation with Matured Hop Bitter Acids Improves Cognitive Performance and Mood State in Healthy Older Adults with Subjective Cognitive Decline.

Background:Prevention of age-related cognitive decline and depression is becoming urgent because of rapid growing aging populations. Effects of vagal nerve activation on brain function by food ingredients are inadequately investigated; matured hop bitter acid (MHBA) administration reportedly improves cognitive function and depression via vagal nerve activation in model mice.Objective:We investigated the effects of MHBA supplementation on cognitive function and mood state in healthy older adults with perceived subjective cognitive decline.Methods:Using a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial design, 100 subjects (aged 45–69 years) were randomly assigned into placebo (n = 50) and MHBA (n = 50) groups, and received placebo or MHBA capsules daily for 12 weeks.Results:Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) score assessing divided attention at week 12 was significantly higher (p = 0.045) and β-endorphin at week 12 was significantly lower (p = 0.043) in the subjects receiving MHBA. Transthyretin in serum, a putative mild cognitive impairment marker, was significantly higher at week 12 in the MHBA group than in the placebo group (p = 0.048). Subgroup analysis classified by the subjective cognitive decline questionnaire revealed that in addition to improved SDMT scores, memory retrieval assessed using the standard verbal paired-associate learning tests and the Ray Verbal Learning Test at week 12 had significantly improved in the subgroup with perceived subjective cognitive decline and without requirement for medical assistance in the MHBA group compared with that in the placebo group.Conclusion:This study suggested that MHBA intake improves cognitive function, attention, and mood state in older adults.

Performance on an Associative Memory Test Decreases 8 hr After Cardiovascular Exercise.

This study was designed to assess the effects of acute exercise on performance of a paired associate learning (PAL) test, an operationalization of hippocampal-dependent associative memory. Participants performed a PAL test and then ran on a treadmill (exercise group, n = 52) or solved Sudoku puzzles (control group, n = 54). Participants returned 2, 5, or 8hr later to perform a second, different, PAL test. PAL scores for the control group did not change over time. Similarly, scores on tests taken 2 and 5hr after exercise were not different from baseline or control data. Scores on tests taken 8hr after exercise, however, fell significantly below baseline (by 8.6%) and control (by 9.8%) scores. These data demonstrate that acute exercise can negatively affect the encoding and retrieval of new information even hours after the exercise bout, which should be a consideration when designing exercise programs to enhance, and not hinder, learning.

Could intraoperative magnesium sulphate protect against postoperative cognitive dysfunction?

Although there is much concern about the pathogenesis of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD); no effective prevention strategies are currently described. The aim of this work was to study whether intraoperative magnesium sulphate could have a protective effect against developing POCD and to study its impact on serum level of S100B, a marker of neuronal degeneration. This is a prospective randomized controlled trial carried out on 80 participants undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 40 participants received conventional general anesthesia (conventional anesthesia group) and 40 participants received conventional general anesthesia with extra administration of intraoperative magnesium sulphate (Mg sulphate group). Cognitive assessment for both groups was done preoperatively and 1 week postoperatively using Paired Associate Learning test (PALT) and Benton Visual Retention Test (BVRT). Quantitative determination of serum S100B was done for both groups preoperatively and one week postoperatively by using an enzyme- linked immunoabsorbent assay technique. Postoperative PALT and BVRT were significantly lower than preoperative PALT and BVRT in the conventional anesthesia group (P value =0.043, P value =0.015 respectively), but not in the Mg sulphate group (P value =0.134, P value =0.151 respectively). Postoperative S100B was significantly higher than preoperative S100B in the conventional anesthesia group (P value =0.006), but not in the Mg sulphate group (P value =0.293). Administration of intravenous infusion of magnesium sulphate during conventional general anesthesia can protect against POCD and attenuate the post operative elevation of serum S100B.

T49. SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC AND LIFESTYLE FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH GOOD PERFORMANCE IN PAIRED ASSOCIATES LEARNING TEST IN PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

BackgroundSchizophrenia patients have been found to have long lasting, clinical state independent impairments in intellectual abilities as well as in specific cognitive domains of which visual learning and memory are central to our current study.The main aim of this study was to investigate the sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with good visual learning and memory in patients with schizophrenia in a sample of patients.MethodsThe basic population for this study consists of Finnish SUPER study on genetic mechanisms of psychotic disorders (SUPER), part of the Stanley Global Neuropsychiatric Genomics Initiative. The Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (NFBC 1966) functioned as a reference group to define good cognitive performance.The Finnish SUPER study on genetic mechanisms of psychotic disorders is a part of the international Stanley Global Neuropsychiatric Genomics Initiative. The objective of the study is to understand the genetic and biological background of psychotic disorders.The participants of the present study were patients with clinical diagnosis of schizophrenia who were born between 1950–1979 (N=1,907). The reference group of members of the NFBC 1966 consisted 5,506 individuals aged 46–47 years.Paired Associates Learning (PAL) was used both in SUPER and NFBC 1966 studies. PAL test measures visual memory and new learning. We used the primary outcome variable of ‘total errors adjusted’ (TEA) which assesses learning over repeated attempts. Lower than the mean score of TEA of NFBC 1966 was used as cut-off for good performance in PAL test. SUPER participants with good performance in the PAL test were compared to other SUPER participants.Participants in SUPER study were interviewed and filled in a questionnaire about general mental wellbeing, subjective health and lifestyle factor. The association of following sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were investigated: education, age, marital status, self-rated memory, psychotropic medication use, alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking.ResultsOf the SUPER participants, 129 (6,9 %) performed at least on the level on which 50% of the participants of the NFBC 1966 performed. Of SUPER participant males 5,9 % and of the females 8,1 % performed on this level.Performing above the NFBC 1966 50% level in the PAL test was associated with higher educational level and higher use of alcohol in males, and with higher educational level and being married in females.DiscussionIn previous studies age, education, duration of illness, severity of symptoms have been found to count for some of the overall impairments found in schizophrenia. We found a subgroup of schizophrenia patients with good visual learning and memory and sociodemographic and lifestyle factors that were associated with good performance. In our study education and marital status in women and alcohol use in men was associated with better performance in PAL test.