Verbal Learning Ability Research Articles

Everyday memory deficits in very mild Alzheimer's disease

Memory complaints of patients sometimes are not verified via standard cognitive testing. Acquisition of information in everyday life requires memorization in complex three-dimensional environments. The authors mimicked this with a photorealistic virtual environment (VE). Memory for verbal material and spatial scenery was tested in healthy controls (HC) and patients with mild Alzheimer's disease (AD); mini-mental state evaluation (MMSE) 25.7 ± 1.8 (mean ± standard deviation). The number of memorized items increased to 90% in both classical list learning and for items memorized in VE in HC. In contrast, only 40% of items were recalled in list learning and 20% in VE in AD patients. Unlike the gender difference favoring female HC on list learning, performance was alike for both genders in VE. We conclude that verbal learning abilities in healthy elderly subjects are alike in standard settings and under virtual reality conditions. In AD patients memory deficits that are relevant to everyday life yet not detectable with list learning are unmasked in virtual reality. In future, this may aid objective appraisal of interventions with regard to their everyday relevance.

PW01-15 - Neurocognitive function in clinically stable patients with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia and normal controls

ObjectivesThere is a substantial body of evidence that cognitive deficits in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder persist after the subsidence of active symptoms. The aim of the study was to assess and compare the cognitive functioning of patients with clinically stable schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.MethodsAttention, memory, verbal learning ability, visuospatial ability, executive functions and social cognition were assessed in 21 patients with schizophrenia in remission, 23 euthymic bipolar-I patients, and 27 normal controls, using WAIS - Vocabulary, Block design, and Digit span, Stroop Test, Babcock Story Recall Test, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Trail Making Test (Trails A and B), Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), and Faux Pas Recognition Test. The three groups were matched for gender, age and education. One-way ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni corrections was used for the between groups comparisons.ResultsBoth bipolar disorder and schizophrenia patients were significantly impaired on tests of working memory, learning abilities, and executive functions compared to control subjects. Patients with schizophrenia performed significantly worse than patients with bipolar disorder on attention and verbal memory tasks, whereas the latter performed worse than normal controls on visuospatial ability tasks.Table 1Comparison of neuropsychological function Bipolar Disorder Mean (SD)Schizophrenia Mean (SD)Normal controls Mean (SD)FpPost-hoc test (p)WAIS - Vocabulary10.1 (1.8)10.2 (1.8)12.0 (1.6)6.06.004S < N (.015) B < N (.008)WAIS - Block design7.9 (2.5)9.9 (3.6)10.3 (2.7)3.76.032B < N (.039)Stroop - Word84.3 (18.7)82.3 (26.8)97.7 (16.5)4.03.022S < N (.038)Stroop - Colour59.5 (12.3)56.8 (16.8)72.0 (12.1)8.74.000S < N (.001) B < N (.006)Babcock - Delay recall12.1 (3.9)7.7 (3.3)13.2 (3.3)15.71.000S < N (.000) S < B (.000)WCST - categories2.4 (1.4)2.5 (1.3)3.1 (1.1)2.49.090nsWCST - perseverative errors14.6 (13.1)18.5 (16.4)11.1 (8.2)1.30.280nsTrails B164.1 (83.2)170.2 (76.8)86.7 (43.3)11.68.000S > N (.000) B > N (.001)Faux Pas - detection38.6 (11.6)40.1 (14.6)46.2 (9.6)2.64.080nsConclusionsOur results indicate that stable schizophrenia and euthymic bipolar disorder exhibit different but overlapping profiles of cognitive impairment.

PW01-16 - Neurocognitive function in bipolar disorder: an examination during episode and in remission

ObjectivesCognitive function seems to be impaired during both the acute and euthymic phases of bipolar disorder. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of remission on cognitive functioning in bipolar disorder.MethodsAttention, memory, verbal learning ability, visuospatial ability, executive functions and social cognition were assessed in 19 patients with bipolar-I patients during an episode of the illness and in remission as well as in 16 normal controls, using WAIS - Vocabulary, Block design, and Digit span, Stroop Test, Babcock Story Recall Test, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), Trail Making Test (Trails A and B), Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), and Faux Pas Recognition Test. The two groups were matched for gender, age and education. Paired t-test was used to compare patients’ neuropsycholigical performance in episode and euthimic states and one-way ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni corrections for the between groups comparisons.ResultsPatients showed cognitive dysfunction in verbal learning, visospatial ability, executive functions and social cognition during both the acute and the euthymic phases in relation to the comparison group. Poorer performance in attention and working memory tasks was observed only in the acute phase of the illness. Performance in verbal learning and executive function tasks was significantly improved but still impaired in remission. BD-Ep (n = 19) Mean (SD)BD-Rem(n = 19) Mean (SD)tp WAIS - Vocabulary9.6 (1.7)9.9 (1.6)- 1.55.137BD-Ep < NC BD-Rem < NCWAIS - Block design7.9 (2.2)8.3 (1.9)- 0.64.532BD-Ep < NC BD-Rem < NCStroop - Word77.9 (19.2)82.8 (19.8)- 1.21.243BD-Ep < NCStroop - Colour56.7 (14.8)60.3 (12.9)- 1.28.218BD-Ep < NCRAVLT - Best learning9.9 (2.6)11.0 (2.8)- 2.52.021BD-Ep < NC BD-Rem < NCRAVLT - Delay recall7.3 (3.3)9.2 (3.5)- 3.41.003BD-Ep < NC BD-Rem < NCWCST - perseverative errors19.5 (10.6)13.5 (7.9)3.21.005BD-Ep > NCTrails B181.0 (92.2)167.1 (91.4)1.28.218BD-Ep > NC BD-Rem > NCFaux Pas - detection35.0 (8.9)37.8 (10.5)- 1.15.266BD-Ep < NC BD-Rem < NC[The effect of remission on cognitive functioning]ConclusionsPatients with bipolar disorder exhibit similar profiles of cognitive impairment during the acute and the euthymic phases of the illness.

Verbal and spatial learning after temporal lobe excisions in children: An adaptation of the Grober and Buschke procedure

Using an adaptation of Grober and Buschke’s procedure, we assessed verbal and visuospatial learning abilities in 16 children after left or right anteromesial temporal resection and 16 healthy controls to evaluate material-specific memory deficits. All children had relatively well-preserved verbal and spatial learning capacities after unilateral temporal resection. Children who had left temporal resection showed impaired verbal memory performance despite semantic control by cued recall. No memory deficits with visual material were detected in children who underwent right anteromesial temporal resection. Grober and Buschke’s procedure appears relevant for the detection of verbal memory disorders in children with left-sided temporal resection.

Changes in individual and group spatial and verbal learning characteristics after anterior temporal lobectomy

To evaluate the effects of anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) on individual and group spatial and verbal learning and memory abilities as a function of side of surgery and seizure control outcome. We evaluated pre- and postsurgical learning and memory abilities of 75 left-hemisphere language dominant individuals who underwent ATL (33 left, 42 right) using the 8-trial Nonverbal Selective Reminding test and the 12-trial Verbal Selective Reminding test. Reliable change index methods indicated that 40.5% of individuals who underwent right-ATL had a clinically significant decline in spatial memory, and 62.5% of individuals who underwent left-ATL had a significant reduction in verbal memory. Growth curve analyses indicated that both side of surgery and poor seizure outcome independently affected the learning slope in the best fitting models. Left-ATL reduced the slope, but did not affect the overall shape, of verbal learning across trials. On the other hand, poor seizure control outcome affected the slope of spatial learning regardless of the side of surgery. Results demonstrate both individual and group declines in spatial memory and learning after ATL. Results suggest that individuals who undergo right-ATL should be counseled regarding the likelihood of a decline in spatial memory and learning abilities after ATL. Results also suggest that individuals with poor seizure control after ATL should be referred for rehabilitation services given the significant declines in spatial and verbal memory that occurred in our sample regardless of side of surgery.

Individual differences in dynamic measures of verbal learning abilities in young twin pairs and their older siblings

We explored the genetic background of individual differences in dynamic measures of verbal learning ability in children, using a Dutch version of the Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT). Nine-year-old twin pairs ( N = 112 pairs) were recruited from the Netherlands Twin Register. When possible, an older sibling between 10 and 14 years old participated as well ( N = 99). To assess verbal learning, non-linear curves were fitted for each child individually. Two parameters were estimated: Learning Speed (LS) and Forgetting Speed (FS). Larger twin correlations in monozygotic (MZ) than in dizygotic (DZ) and sibling pairs for LS and FS indicated the importance of genetic factors in explaining variation in these traits. The heritability estimate (percentage of variance explained by genetic factors) for LS was 43% for both twins and siblings. For FS heritability was estimated at 20% in twins and was slightly higher (30%) in their older siblings.

A randomised control trial in schoolchildren showed improvement in cognitive function after consuming a bread spread, containing fish flour from a marine source

Background In humans, n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids play a well-documented role in brain development and function. Docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid are major structural components of the brain and a deficiency thereof may bring about changes in the behaviour domains of the brain. Objective This trial investigated the effect of an experimental fish-flour bread spread rich in n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, on cognition of children (7–9 yr). Design Subjects ( n=183) were randomly assigned to an experimental ( n=91) and control group ( n=92), receiving either the fish-flour spread or a placebo spread for 6 months in a single-blind study. Plasma and red blood cell phospholipid fatty acid composition and cognition were measured at baseline and post-intervention. Results After the intervention, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid levels were significantly higher in the experimental group compared to the control group ( p< 0.0001). Significant intervention effects were also observed for the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test Recognition (estimated effect size: 0.80; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.15; 1.45) and Discrimination Index (estimated effect size: 1.10; 95% CI: 0.30; 1.91), as well as the S pelling test (estimated effect size: 2.81; 95% CI: 0.59; 5.02) by both per protocol and intention to treat analyses. A marginally significant ( p=0.0646) effect was observed for the Reading test (estimated effect size: 2.21; 95% CI: −0.14; 4.56) only in the per protocol analysis. Conclusion This study suggests improvement of verbal learning ability and memory of children when supplemented with a fish-flour spread rich in n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Hepatitis C virus infection and the brain

There is growing evidence that hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infection may affect the brain. About half of the HCV-infected patients complain of chronic fatigue irrespective of their stage of liver disease or virus replication rate. Even after successful antiviral therapy fatigue persists in about one third of the patients. Many patients, in addition, report of deficits in attention, concentration and memory, some also of depression. Psychometric testing revealed deficits in attention and verbal learning ability as characteristic for HCV-afflicted patients with normal liver function. Magnetic resonance spectroscopic studies showed alterations of the cerebral choline, N-acetyl-aspartate, and creatine content in the basal ganglia, white matter and frontal cortex, respectively. Recently, pathologic cerebral serotonin and dopamine transporter binding and regional alterations of the cerebral glucose utilisation compatible with alterations of the dopaminergic attentional system were observed. Several studies detected HCV in brain samples or cerebro-spinal fluid. Interestingly, viral sequences in the brain often differed from those in the liver, but were closely related to those found in lymphoid tissue. Therefore, the Trojan horse hypothesis emerged: HCV-infected mononuclear blood cells enter the brain, enabling the virus to reside within the brain (probably in microglia) and to infect brain cells, especially astrocytes.

Verbal learning and memory ability as indicator of the recovery from traumatic brain injury

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Cognitive Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis: Methods and Prevalence from the GEDMA Study

Background/Aims: Cognitive dysfunction is a major handicap in multiple sclerosis (MS). Its prevalence varies due to disease heterogeneity and methodological issues. A neuropsychological battery of intermediate size was designed for and explored in the screening of cognitive dysfunction in MS patients. Methods: The battery was administered to a hospital-based sample of 191 MS patients and 50 matched controls. Eleven test scores measuring verbal fluency, verbal learning, attention, calculation and visuoperceptual ability were selected on the basis of sensitivity and lack of redundancy. Two alternative approaches were compared for diagnosis of cognitive dysfunction based, firstly, on the number of failed tasks, and secondly, on a single standardized global score. Results: The approach based on the number of failed tasks discriminated better than did the global approach between patients and controls. Using a cutoff of two altered scores, a cognitive dysfunction prevalence of 34% was obtained. The score yielded after summing errors in all tests was the most frequently altered and proved particularly useful for detecting minimally impaired patients. Conclusion: The purpose-designed battery was adequate for the screening of cognitive dysfunction in MS patients. The better accuracy of the single-task approach might reflect MS heterogeneity.

Subclinical atherosclerosis is weakly associated with lower cognitive function in healthy hyperhomocysteinemic adults without clinical cardiovascular disease

Atherosclerosis is the most common pathologic process underlying cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is not well known whether subclinical atherosclerosis is an independent risk factor for lower cognitive function among individuals without clinically evident CVD. We examined cross-sectional associations between subclinical atherosclerosis and cognitive function in a community-based sample of otherwise healthy adults with plasma homocysteine >or=8.5 micromol/L enrolled in the BVAIT study (n = 504, mean age 61 years). Carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT), coronary artery calcium (CAC) and abdominal aortic calcium (AAC) were used to measure subclinical atherosclerosis. Cognitive function was assessed with a battery of neuropsychological tests. A principal components analysis was used to extract five uncorrelated cognitive factors from scores on individual tests, and a measure of global cognition was derived. Multivariable linear regression was used to examine the association between subclinical atherosclerosis and cognitive function, adjusting for other correlates of cognition. Increasing thickness of CIMT was associated with significantly lower scores on the verbal learning factor (beta = -0.07 per 0.1 mm increase CIMT [SE(beta) = 0.03], p = 0.01). CAC and AAC were not individually associated with any of the cognitive factors. This study provides evidence that increasing CIMT is weakly associated with lower verbal learning abilities but not global cognition in a population of otherwise healthy middle-to-older aged adults with elevated plasma homocysteine levels but without clinically evident CVD. The association between CIMT and poor verbal learning may pertain particularly to men.

Regional Brain Abnormalities Associated With Long-term Heavy Cannabis Use

Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in the developed world. Despite this, there is a paucity of research examining its long-term effect on the human brain. To determine whether long-term heavy cannabis use is associated with gross anatomical abnormalities in 2 cannabinoid receptor-rich regions of the brain, the hippocampus and the amygdala. Cross-sectional design using high-resolution (3-T) structural magnetic resonance imaging. Participants were recruited from the general community and underwent imaging at a hospital research facility. Fifteen carefully selected long-term (>10 years) and heavy (>5 joints daily) cannabis-using men (mean age, 39.8 years; mean duration of regular use, 19.7 years) with no history of polydrug abuse or neurologic/mental disorder and 16 matched nonusing control subjects (mean age, 36.4 years). Volumetric measures of the hippocampus and the amygdala combined with measures of cannabis use. Subthreshold psychotic symptoms and verbal learning ability were also measured. Cannabis users had bilaterally reduced hippocampal and amygdala volumes (P = .001), with a relatively (and significantly [P = .02]) greater magnitude of reduction in the former (12.0% vs 7.1%). Left hemisphere hippocampal volume was inversely associated with cumulative exposure to cannabis during the previous 10 years (P = .01) and subthreshold positive psychotic symptoms (P < .001). Positive symptom scores were also associated with cumulative exposure to cannabis (P = .048). Although cannabis users performed significantly worse than controls on verbal learning (P < .001), this did not correlate with regional brain volumes in either group. These results provide new evidence of exposure-related structural abnormalities in the hippocampus and amygdala in long-term heavy cannabis users and corroborate similar findings in the animal literature. These findings indicate that heavy daily cannabis use across protracted periods exerts harmful effects on brain tissue and mental health.

The Use of a Self-Generation Memory Encoding Strategy to Improve Verbal Memory and Learning in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury

The generation effect refers to the theory that optimal acquisition and retention of information is achieved by active participation rather than by passive observation. The efficacy of a self-generation memory encoding strategy was tested using a verbal paired-associate task for free recall, cued recall, and recognition memory in 40 traumatically brain-injured outpatients in two studies. In study #1, self-generation encoding procedures improved recognition memory, but not free recall, compared with the didactic presentation of information. In study #2, self-generation procedures improved cued recall test performance, but the results demonstrated that the type of cue that is provided moderates the efficacy of self-generation procedures. Results provide preliminary empirical support for the use of self-generation encoding procedures in improving upon verbal memory and learning abilities in individuals with TBI.

Multiple Sclerosis, Cannabinoids, and Cognition

Multiple Sclerosis, Cannabinoids, and Cognition

Impaired verbal learning and reduced medial temporal volumes in long-term heavy cannabis users

Event Abstract Back to Event Impaired verbal learning and reduced medial temporal volumes in long-term heavy cannabis users Murat Yücel1, 2*, M. Solowij3, 4, S. Whittle1, 2, C. Respondek3, Alex Fornito2, C. Pantelis2 and D. I. Lubman1 1 ORYGEN Research Centre, Australia 2 The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health , Australia 3 University of Wollongong , Australia 4 Schizophrenia Research Institute, Australia Background: Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in the developed world. Despite this, there is a paucity of research examining its long-term impact on the human brain. Our aim was to determine whether long-term and heavy cannabis use is associated with verbal learning deficits and gross anatomical abnormalities in two cannabinoid receptor rich regions of the brain, the hippocampus and amygdala. Method: A cross-sectional design using high-resolution (3-Tesla) structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was utilised. Participants were recruited from the general community and scanned at a hospital research facility. Fifteen carefully selected long-term (>10 years duration) and heavy (>5 joints per day) cannabis-using males (mean age 39.8 years; 19.7 years of regular use) with no history of polydrug abuse or neurological/mental disorder, and 16 matched non-using healthy volunteers (mean age 36.4 years). Volumetric measures of hippocampus and amygdala, combined with measures of cannabis use. Subthreshold psychotic symptoms and verbal learning ability were also measured. Results: Cannabis users had bilaterally reduced hippocampal and amygdala volumes (P=0.001) with a relatively (and significantly; P=0.018) greater magnitude of reduction in the former (12.0% in hippocampus vs 7.1% in amygdala). Left hippocampal volume was inversely associated with cumulative dose of cannabis use over the previous 10 years (P=0.014), as well as subthreshold positive psychotic symptoms (P<0.001). Positive symptom scores were also associated with cumulative dose of cannabis used (P= 0.048). While cannabis users performed significantly worse than controls on verbal learning (P= 0.0005), this did not correlate with regional brain volumes in either group. Conclusions: Our results provide new evidence of dose-related structural abnormalities in the hippocampus and amygdala of long-term heavy cannabis users, and corroborate similar findings within the animal literature. These findings indicate that heavy daily cannabis use over protracted periods exerts harmful effects on brain tissue and mental health. Conference: 10th International Conference on Cognitive Neuroscience, Bodrum, Turkey, 1 Sep - 5 Sep, 2008. Presentation Type: Oral Presentation Topic: Memory & Learning Citation: Yücel M, Solowij M, Whittle S, Respondek C, Fornito A, Pantelis C and Lubman DI (2008). Impaired verbal learning and reduced medial temporal volumes in long-term heavy cannabis users. Conference Abstract: 10th International Conference on Cognitive Neuroscience. doi: 10.3389/conf.neuro.09.2009.01.259 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 09 Dec 2008; Published Online: 09 Dec 2008. * Correspondence: Murat Yücel, ORYGEN Research Centre, Melbourne, VIC., Australia, murat.yucel@monash.edu Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Murat Yücel M. Solowij S. Whittle C. Respondek Alex Fornito C. Pantelis D. I Lubman Google Murat Yücel M. Solowij S. Whittle C. Respondek Alex Fornito C. Pantelis D. I Lubman Google Scholar Murat Yücel M. Solowij S. Whittle C. Respondek Alex Fornito C. Pantelis D. I Lubman PubMed Murat Yücel M. Solowij S. Whittle C. Respondek Alex Fornito C. Pantelis D. I Lubman Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

Fast improvement of verbal memory function after left temporal tumour resection

A 7-y-old, right-handed girl presented at our clinic with complex partial seizures, behavioural problems and word-finding difficulties. Clinical examination was normal, but electroencephalogram revealed bilateral epileptic discharges in the temporal and paracentral leads. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an intracerebral mass in the left mesial temporal lobe in the areas of the gyrus temporooccipitalis medialis and gyrus parahippocampalis. Neuropsychological testing brought to light an above-average general intelligence, but the girl performed below average in verbal memory tests and average in figural memory tests. The tumour was completely removed by surgery. Neuropsychological testing 3 and 11 wk after tumour resection demonstrated above-average verbal learning and memory abilities and improved visual memory. The emotional disturbances, seizures and electroencephalogram abnormalities disappeared completely during the postoperative follow-up. After resection of a left temporal brain tumour, the patient was free of seizures, and neuropsychological functions recovered completely within weeks.

Memory functioning in polysubstance dependent women

Background The vast majority of studies on polysubstance abuse or dependence have utilized male participants; therefore, the specific neuropsychological effects of polysubstance dependence in women are relatively unknown. The goal of the present study is to examine the effects of polysubstance dependence on women's verbal and visual memory ability. Methods Data were collected from 109 women (46 controls and 63 polysubstance dependence women who were similar in ethnic identification, education, age, and verbal ability). A series of multiple regressions were run to test whether group membership significantly predicted performance on the Benton Visual Retention Test and the California Verbal Learning Test after controlling for important demographic characteristics. Results The primary results indicated that the polysubstance dependent women had significantly poorer verbal learning ability (ranging from p < .005 to .05) than the control group, while no differences were found in visual memory ability. Further, significant bivariate relationships were observed between frequency of alcohol and cocaine use and verbal learning, delayed recall, and recognition ability. Conclusions The results confirm that polysubstance dependence is associated with deficient encoding of verbal information. In addition, past year frequent use of alcohol and cocaine was associated with more severe deficits in delayed recall and recognition ability among polysubstance dependent women at the bivariate level.

Memory performance in dyslexic male juvenile delinquents convicted of severe offences does not differ from that in dyslexic male junior college students

Background: There are different research approaches regarding the causes and possible overrepresentation of dyslexia in criminals. One approach focuses on sociological explanations such as under-stimulation at home, while another focuses on the importance of cognitive neurobiological dysfunctions. In several studies, poor memory for digits and poor verbal learning ability have been found in non-criminal dyslexics.Aim: To compare memory performance in two groups of dyslexics, namely, juvenile delinquents and junior college students, in order to discuss their dyslexic problems in the light of sociocultural and cognitive neurobiological approaches.Participants: Two groups of male adolescent dyslexics: 11 juvenile delinquents (mean age 18.55 years, SD = 2.07), all of them convicted for severe offences, and 11 junior college students (mean age 17.09 years, SD = 0.83).Results: Matched-samples t-tests indicate that there is no difference in memory performance between the two different groups of dyslexics, which supports the accuracy of the diagnoses of dyslexia in the group of juvenile delinquents.Conclusions: The present results show that the memory performance of dyslexic juvenile delinquents does not differ from that of dyslexic junior college students. A sociocultural approach, therefore, cannot plausibly explain the high prevalence of reading and writing difficulties among juvenile delinquents.

Ecstasy (MDMA) exposure and neuropsychological functioning: A polydrug perspective

Ecstasy (MDMA) is a popular drug that can act as a selective serotonin neurotoxin in several species. The goal of the present study was to examine the relationship between ecstasy exposure and cognitive functioning after controlling for other drug use and demographic variables. Furthermore, we assessed whether gender was a moderator of the relationship between cognitive functioning and ecstasy use. Data were collected from 31 men and 34 women with a wide range of ecstasy use (17 marijuana users with no ecstasy use and 48 ecstasy users ranging from low to heavy use). Participants were interviewed and administered a battery of neuropsychological tests. The primary finding was that ecstasy exposure was significantly related to poorer verbal learning and memory ability in a dose-dependent manner, while no such relationship was observed between ecstasy exposure and executive functioning or attentional ability. Gender was found to significantly moderate the relationship between ecstasy consumption and design fluency. These results suggest primary memory dysfunction among abstinent recreational ecstasy users. This finding is consistent with reports of hippocampal vulnerability, particularly among heavy users.

School Performance in Early and Continuously Treated Phenylketonuria

This study investigated the relationship between school performance, cognitive functions, and dietary control in a group of 26 early and continuously treated phenylketonuric patients, in comparison with 21 sex- and age-matched control subjects. The cognitive functions study included intelligence measurement, visual and auditory memory and auditory verbal learning abilities, attention, visuospatial, fine motor, language, and executive functions. Participants were asked about school performance. The indexes of dietary control for the first 6 years of life and for the 6 months before the study were calculated. The intelligence score was significantly lower in phenylketonuric patients (P < 0.0001). The percentage of patients with attention problems (P = 0.02), fine motor (P = 0.001) and executive dysfunctions (P = 0.013) was significantly higher than that for control subjects. Patients had more school problems than controls (P = 0.028). Intelligence score was also significantly lower in these patients (P = 0.046). The index of dietary control for the last 6 months was significantly higher than the index for the first 6 years of life, but only in the patients with school problems (P = 0.033). In conclusion, phenylketonuric patients presented more school problems than control subjects, probably related to the disturbed cognitive functions observed. The index of dietary control for the last 6 months yielded a close relationship with school performance.