Visual Retention Test Research Articles

Cognitive Function After Lung Transplantation.

Cognitive functioning after transplantation, which could influence medication compliance and independence, has not been well studied. This study investigated cognitive impairment after lung transplantation. Patients undergoing bilateral transplant between March 2013 and October 2015 underwent comprehensive neuropsychological assessment at 60.1±44.1months post-transplantation: verbal memory (Auditory-Verbal Learning Test, digit span forward), visual memory (Corsi Block-Tapping Test forward, Benton Visual Retention Test), concentration/speed of processing/attention (D2 Test of Attention, Trail Making Test (TMT) A, Grooved Pegboard), and executive functioning (TMT B, Stroop Color-Word Test, semantic and phonematic verbal fluency, digit span backward, Corsi Block-Tapping Test backward). Mean scores were compared with a normative dataset using a one-sample t-test. A cognitive domain was judged impaired if the score on two or more domain-specific tests was greater than one standard deviation below the normative dataset age range mean. Of 124 lung transplant recipients (51% male, 54.3±9.0years), 70% showed cognitive impairment in one or more domains. Executive function was most often impaired (78% of recipients not within the age range) followed by verbal memory impairment (72% not within the age range). Cognitive function reductions were largely independent of age, gender, education, immunosuppressive medications, and time since transplantation. The findings show that cognitive impairment is common after lung transplantation and should be subject to rehabilitation and psychological resilience strategies.

Accelerated epigenetic age and cognitive decline among urban-dwelling adults.

Epigenetic modifications are closely linked with aging, but their relationship with cognition remains equivocal. Given known sex differences in epigenetic aging, we explored sex-specific associations of 3 DNA methylation (DNAm)-based measures of epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) with baseline and longitudinal change in cognitive performance among middle-aged urban adults. We used exploratory data from a subgroup of participants in the Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span study with complete DNA samples and whose baseline ages were >50.0 years (2004-2009) to estimate 3 DNAm EAA measures: (1) universal EAA (AgeAccel); (2) intrinsic EAA (IEAA); and (3) extrinsic EAA (EEAA). Cognitive performance was measured at baseline visit (2004-2009) and first follow-up (2009-2013) with 11 test scores covering global mental status and specific domains such as learning/memory, attention, visuospatial, psychomotor speed, language/verbal, and executive function. A series of mixed-effects regression models were conducted adjusting for covariates and multiple testing (n = 147-156, ∼51% men, k = 1.7-1.9 observations/participant, mean follow-up time ∼4.7 years). EEAA, a measure of both biological age and immunosenescence, was consistently associated with greater cognitive decline among men on tests of visual memory/visuoconstructive ability (Benton Visual Retention Test: γ11 = 0.0512 ± 0.0176, p = 0.004) and attention/processing speed (Trail-Making Test, part A: γ11 = 0.219 ± 0.080, p = 0.007). AgeAccel and IEAA were not associated with cognitive change in this sample. EEAA capturing immune system cell aging was associated with faster decline among men in domains of attention and visual memory. Larger longitudinal studies are needed to replicate our findings.

Association between cross-dominance and visual memory - A cross-sectional study

Background: Ocular dominance plays an important role in visual memory. Although many studies are done to find the relationship between cross-dominance and their performance in sports, little was known about the effect of cross-dominance in visual memory. Aim and Objective: The present study was aimed to find if there exists an association between cross-dominance and visual memory. Materials and Methods: In this study, 40 above average subjects in the age group 18–30 years of both genders with cross-dominance is taken as study group and 40 above average subjects with complete lateral dominance who are age and sex matched is taken as control. A detailed history of the subjects was collected and they are subjected to complete ophthalmological and neurological examination to rule out any neurological deficits. Dominant eye was found using miles test and visual memory was evaluated using Benton’s visual retention test. Results: In this study, it was found that though cross dominant subjects had less score than complete lateral dominant subjects, the difference is statistically insignificant. Conclusion: There is no significant difference in visual memory between the complete lateral dominance and cross dominant subjects.

Relation between vitamin D level and severity, symptomatology and cognitive dysfunction of major depressive disorder—A sample of Egyptian patients

BackgroundVitamin D helps in the regulation of neurotransmission and neuroprotection. Therefore, vitamin D deficiency might lead to inactivated receptors and may result in depression. AimThe 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. MethodsSerum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D were measured with electro-chemiluminescence binding assay in 75 patients with MDD. Vitamin D deficiency was described as <20 ng/ml. 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 genital symptoms: decreased libido and menstrual disturbances. There was no statistically significant correlation between level of vitamin D and cognitive functions. ConclusionMDD 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 libido and menstrual disturbances.

Hippocampal magnetic resonance imaging morphometry and neuropsychological parameters in patients with Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia in the population. Difficulties in diagnosing AD have served as an incentive for actively studying different current methods that increase the accuracy of diagnosis of the current neurodegenerative process in this disease. One of these areas is the post-processing of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data, by exactly calculating the volume of various anatomical formations, namely MRI morphometry.Objective:to determine the possible relationship between the results of evaluating the higher brain functions and the reduction in the hippocampal volume calculated by MRI morphometry in AD patients with mild and moderate dementia and in healthy controls.Patients and methods.Examinations were made in 41 AD patients aged 70.63±8.38 years with mild and moderate dementia and in healthy individuals. All study participants underwent neuropsychological testing that included the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the frontal lobe dysfunction battery (FLDB); immediate and delayed 12-word recall trials (12-word test); Benton's revised visual retention test; test of literal and categorical associations; clock drawing test; and series number test, Part A. MRI was performed on a Siemens Magnetom Skyra 3T MRI scanner. Statistical Parametric Mapping software was used to convert images and the volume of the hippocampus was estimated by FMRIB Software Library.Results and discussion.A statistically significant decrease in hippocampal volumes was established in patients with AD compared with healthy individuals. No statistically significant differences in hippocampal volumes were found in patients with varying degrees of dementia. Patients with mild and moderate dementia differed in all indicators of neuropsychological tests, with exception for the 12-word test and Benton's test. There was a statistically significant correlation of the total volume of the hippocampi with the indicators of MMSE, FLDB, 12- word test, clock drawing test, and test of categorical associations.Conclusion.Hippocampal MRI morphometry in combination with neuropsychological tests is an informative technique in the diagnosis of AD. There is a relationship between the degree of hippocampal atrophy and the neuropsychological characteristics of patients.

The Relationship Between Serum Lead Level and Neurobehavioral Performance

Background: Lead is one of the metals, which has an important role in the industry. Objectives: We designed a study to assess the serum lead level in battery manufacturing workers and its association with neurobehavioral performance. Methods: In this cross-sectional, 154 individuals who worked in a battery factory participated. Venous blood samples were collected for measuring blood lead levels by atomic absorption method. Three selected tests of neuropsychological performance approved by World Health Organization were conducted, including simple reaction time (SRT), Benton Visual Retention Test (BVRT), and Santa Ana manual dexterity test. Results: The present study demonstrates a positive correlation between blood lead levels and work experience. The higher blood lead levels and longer work experience were associated with lower scores on the Benton Visual Test. Simple reaction time showed a significant relationship with the work experience. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that occupational exposure to lead can induce a neurobehavioral dysfunction in battery manufacturing workers. Thus neurobehavioral assessment in health surveillance of exposed workers can be effective in the early detection of cognitive impairment.

The Role of Anxiety in Executive Functions of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Mathematical Learning Disability Comorbidity

Executive dysfunction is a common symptom among patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and/or Mathematical Learning disability (MLD). Current research evidence indicates that anxiety can lead to numerous cognitive deficits. Therefore, through comparing executive functioning in children with ADHD/MLD, who have high and low levels of anxiety, the present study examined the probable role of anxiety in intensifying their problems in executive functions, especially verbal and visuospatial working memory. In a retrospective quasi-experimental study, 8-12 years old children, who were diagnosed with ADHD and MLD comorbidity were selected using purposive convenience sampling (n=85). They completed the multidimensional anxiety scale for children. Then, due to their scores on this scale, 20 children with high anxiety (1.5 standard deviations and more above the mean) and 20 children with low anxiety (1.5 standard deviations and more below the mean) were selected and placed in two groups. Then, executive functions assessment tasks, including the Tower of London test, the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS), and Benton’s Visual Retention Test, were carried out. Collected data were analyzed using the independent t-test. Findings showed that anxiety can be considered as an intensifying factor in the executive functioning of children with ADHD and MLD. Therefore, executive functions can be improved by balancing the levels of anxiety and preventing further impairment of executive function in these children.

Assessment of cognitive function in female rheumatoid arthritis patients: associations with cerebrovascular pathology, depression and anxiety

We assessed cognitive function of female rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and analyze the determinants, with special focus on cerebrovascular morphology. Sixty methotrexate (MTX-) or biologic-treated RA patients and 39 healthy controls were included in a cross-sectional study. Smoking habits, alcohol intake and time spent in education were recorded. Standard measures were performed to assess cognitive function (Montreal Cognitive Assessment, MOCA; Trail Making Test, TMT; Victoria Stroop Test, VST; Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, WAIS; Benton Visual Retention test, BVRT), depression (Beck Depression Inventory, BDI), anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAIT/S) and general health status (Short Form 36, SF-36). Mean disease activity (28-joint Disease Activity Score, mDAS28; erythrocyte sedimentation rate, mESR; C-reactive protein, mCRP) of the past 12 months was calculated; anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) and rheumatoid factor (RF) were assessed. Cerebral vascular lesions and atrophy, carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT) and plaques, as well as median cerebral artery (MCA) circulatory reserve capacity (CRC) were assessed by brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), carotid ultrasound and transcranial Doppler, respectively. Cognitive function tests showed impairment in RA vs controls. Biologic- vs MTX-treated subgroups differed in TMT-A. Correlations were identified between cognitive function and depression/anxiety tests. WAIS, STAIS, STAIT and BDI correlated with most SF-36 domains. Numerous cognitive tests correlated with age and lower education. Some also correlated with disease duration, mESR and mDAS28. Regarding vascular pathophysiology, cerebral vascular lesions were associated with VST-A, carotid plaques with multiple cognitive parameters, while MCA and CRC with MOCA, BVRT and BDI. RA patients have significant cognitive impairment. Cognitive dysfunction may occur together with or independently of depression/anxiety. Older patients and those with lower education are at higher risk to develop cognitive impairment. Cognitive screening might be a useful tool to identify subgroups to be further investigated for cerebrovascular pathologies.

Neurobehavioral and Menstrual Disorders among Adolescent Females Environmentally Exposed to Pesticides, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt.

Adolescent females living in agricultural areas where crops are routinely sprayed by pesticides are expected to be environmentally exposed to pesticides' health hazards partially as those occupationally exposed. to assess menstrual and neurobehavioral disorders among adolescent females environmentally exposed to pesticides. This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 100 pesticide exposed adolescent females who had one or more of family members are pesticides' seasonal applicators and 50 non- exposed adolescent females matched for age and education, served as controls at Menoufia governorate, Egypt during the period of pesticide application season of cotton crop from the first days of May to the end of September 2017. A self-administered and a series of neurobehavioral tests were administered and serum Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was assessed. A significant lower AChE activity levels were found in the exposed group than controls (Mean±SD=238.49± 23.83 vs 303.35±78.54 IU/L; respectively). There were significant higher mean scores of trail making test (parts 1 and 2) and significant lower mean scores of (similarities test, Benton visual retention test, block design test, Santa Ana dexterity test (dominant and non-dominant hands) and Beery visuo-motor imitation test in the exposed group than the controls (P<0.05). Also, the exposed group reported more prevalent irregular menstrual cycle (26.8%) and intermenstrual bleeding (28.2%) compared to the control participants (8.1% and 8.1%; respectively). Adolescent females living in agricultural areas and from families whose one or more members are pesticides' applicators have significantly lower neurobehavioral performance, report more prevalent menstrual irregularities and have lower levels of serum AChE compared to a control group. The neurobehavioral deficits demonstrated a dose-response relationship AChE levels in the exposed participants. This necessitates the need for implementation of health education programs to prevent or reduce health effects associated with pesticide exposure to adolescent females.

Neurocognitive deficits in clinical polymorphism of schizophrenia: typology, expression and syndromal overlaps

Objective.The authors tried to identify the typology, severity and overlap of neurocognitive deficits with positive/negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.Materials and methods.Fifty patients aged 22–55 years (25 women (50%) and 25 men (50%)) with schizophrenia diagnosed according to ICD-10 were examined. The average age was 38.0 ± 4.8 years, the average age of onset was 23 ± 3.2 years, the average disease duration was 15 ± 3.7 years. The patients were examined using battery tests to quantify their cognitive functions: Trail Making Test A&amp;B; Stroop Color Word Interference Test; Verbal Fluency; Benton Visual Retention Test; 10 words learning; WAIS Digit Symbol Test; and WAIS Trail Making Test. The evaluation of cognitive deficits was carried out using z-scales. Association of neurocognitive deficits with other schizophrenia symptoms was also estimated using PANSS. The control group that was formed on the basis of the cognitive sphere parameters included 50 healthy volunteers. Statistical processing was carried out using the Mann–Whitney U test, k-means clustering, and the Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance.Results.The patients with schizophrenia and healthy individuals had significant differences in the second part of the Stroop Color Word Interference Test, both parts of the Verbal Fluency, average score of Benton Visual Retention Test, 10 words learning basedon 5 reiterations, WAIS Digit Symbol Test and WAIS Trail Making Test withp&lt; 0.05; in the Trail Making Test B withp&lt; 0.01. The cognitive sampling profile was determined and compared with the PANSS scores. The significant predominance (p&lt; 0.05) of the symptoms across all scales was found with impaired attention, visual memory, performance function, and/or orientation/coordination, as opposed to the other manifestations of cognitive deficits.Conclusion.Neurocognitive deficits form syndromal overlaps with positive and negative schizophrenia syndromes, and the presence of attention, visual memory, performance and orientation / coordination disturbances is associated with the severity of schizophrenia in general.

A-52 An Exploratory Factor Analysis Investigation of the Role of Verbal Mediation in the Interaction between Intelligence and Visual Memory Tasks

Abstract Objective Examine whether verbal mediation may play a role in the interaction between visual memory tasks and the four-factor model of intelligence as operationalized by standard neuropsychological assessment instruments. Method The assessment records of 101 American Veterans with diverse neuropsychiatric conditions were examined using Exploratory Factor and Principal Component Analyses (EFA and PCA respectively). There were no exclusion criteria. All participants completed the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, third edition (WAIS-III), Benton’s Visual Retention Test (BVRT), and Multilingual Aphasia Examination (MAE). Individual assessment instruments were factored using PCA. The factor solution of the BVRT was co-factored with the scales of the WAIS-III, then the resulting factor scales were again factored with the verbal components of the MAE to identify common sources of variance. Results A three-step analysis revealed a four-factor model explaining 69.44% of the shared variance: 1) Items 1-4 of the BVRT (BVRT-E) loaded with Verbal Comprehension and Visual Naming. 2) BVRT-E also loaded with Processing Speed and Controlled Word Association. 3) Items 5-10 of the BVRT (BVRT-L) loaded with Perceptual Organization and the Token Test. 4) Working Memory loaded with Sentence Repetition on a fourth factor. Conclusions The results indicate a strong relationship between assessed performance on visual memory tasks and performance on measures based on the four-factor model of intelligence. The results also appear to support the idea that verbal mediation plays a role in the interaction between visual memory and intelligence, particularly when comparing performance on simple versus more complex visual memory tasks.

A-44 Categorical Errors on the Benton Visual Retention Test are Systemically Related to Specific Factorial Components of Intelligence

Abstract Objective We investigated the factorial relationship of the six categories of memory errors of the BVRT to the four factorial variables of the WAIS to determine the relationship between cognitive and nonverbal memory variables. Methods A sample of 134 diagnostically mixed ambulatory American Veteran patients with a wide variety of mixed neuropsychiatric diagnoses and with or without general medical problems who had completed the WAIS-3, and the BVRT were examined. There were no demographic or diagnostic exclusion criteria. Results The 6 types of BVRT memory errors (omissions, distortions, perseverations, rotations, misplacements, and size errors) were factored using principal component analysis. The four WAIS 3 and six BVRT components were jointly factored to examine for systematic relationships between memory and cognitive domains. The analysis identified specific factorial relationships of BVRT error type to each of the four factorial components of the WAIS. POI was related to rotation errors, VCI was related to size errors, PSI specifically related to omissions and WMI to distortions. Misplacement and perseveration errors were related to each other but not to factorial constructs of the WAIS. Conclusions There are specific and robust relationships among BVRT errors and dimensional cognitive variables.

Programa de Revitalización Geriátrica: efectos sobre la cognición en adultos mayores de 60 años

Background and aimClinical evidence shows that elder individuals display with greater frequency diverse cognitive changes, minor and slightly incapacitating, related to mnesic functions and speed of thought and reasoning. Much scientific evidence supports the role that aerobic physical activity plays as fundamental to prevent or delay the onset of minor cognitive damage or dementia.The aim of this paper is to determine the lasting effect of improved cognitive status in healthy older adults six months after completing a geriatric revitalization programme (GRP). Material and methodsThe study population was recruited among participants in the Universidad de Salamanca GRP. Following the guidelines of the World Health Organization, subjects performed 3 weekly sessions of moderate physical exercise during the intervention period. The sample consisted of 35 subjects of both genders, all of them over 60 years old. For the selection of the sample, random sampling was carried out by conglomerates, where 3 associations of the total number of associations in the city were chosen at random, and in each of the group of people who were willing to follow the GRP. In order to assess the subjects’ neuropsychological capacities, a series of validated neuropsychological tests were included: Mini-Mental State Examination; Benton Visual Retention Test; Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test; Stroop Test; Trail Making Test. ResultsThe results show significant differences between the three assessments put into effect: after the intervention, performance improved in all variables assessed, and it returned to the initial scores after a period of physical inactivity. ConclusionsWe must find strategies to limit spans of physical inactivity or sedentary lifestyles in people over 65 by looking for ways to encourage participation in physical activity programmes.

A-45 Systematic Relationships of the Benton Visual Retention Test to Intelligence, Language and Demographics

Abstract Objective We investigated the factorial relationships of WAIS 3, BVRT, Visual Naming and demographic variables to better understand factorial relationships among those variables. Methods A sample of 126 ambulatory American Veteran patients who presented for clinical evaluation with a wide variety of mixed neuropsychiatric diagnoses and general medical diagnoses were studied. There were no demographic or diagnostic exclusion criteria. Results Our first analysis demonstrated robust independent relationships of age to a late occurring BVRT item group and education to an early occurring BVRT item group. A two factor solution for the items of the multilingual aphasia exam visual naming subtest from previous research showed systematic and robust relationships of one visual naming factor to VCI and the other visual naming factor to PSI only. Factor scales were computed to represent the orthogonal factors for the new variables in each of these analyses. Factor scales from the first two analyses were factored together to produce a four-part solution that explained 86% of the variance. POI was related to the late BVRT item group and age. The early BVRT item grouping was related to educational level, VCI, PSI and both visual naming components. WMI was independent of demographic, linguistic and BVRT variables. Conclusions There are factorial relationships between factorial components of nonverbal memory, intelligence, naming and demographic variables.

A-49 Visual Memory Errors and Intelligence: The Role of Verbal Mediation

Abstract Objective Examine the relationship of verbal mediation with visual memory errors and intelligence to understand the role of spoken language on other assessment measures. Method Assessment records were obtained from a Veteran Affairs clinic for veterans (n=100) with diverse neuropsychiatric conditions who completed the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, third edition (WAIS-III), Multilingual Aphasia Examination (MAE), and Benton Visual Retention Test (BVRT). A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to examine the interrelationship among these assessments. The components of spoken language, types of errors on the BVRT, and the four factors of the WAIS-III were factored using the PCA to identify common sources of variance. Results A principal component analysis revealed a six-factor model explaining 68.16% of the shared variance among the WAIS-III factors, MAE components, and BVRT Errors. Omission errors loaded with Processing Speed and Controlled Word Association. Distortions and size errors loaded with Perceptual Organization. Size errors also loaded with Verbal Comprehension and Visual Naming. Misplacements loaded with Working Memory and Sentence Repetition. Misplacements, perseverations, and omissions loaded with the Token Test (a measure associated with auditory comprehension). Rotation errors loaded with Perceptual Organization. Conclusions Results indicated significant shared variance between visual memory errors, spoken language, and intelligence factors. This suggests that spoken language is involved in the process of visual memory, and deficits in spoken language may result in increased errors on visual memory tasks. Therefore, treatment recommendations for visual memory difficulties should take into consideration verbal capabilities and intelligence factors to better individualize treatment.

A-43 Factorial Relationships Among Copy and Memory Trials of the Benton Visual Retention Test

Abstract Objective We investigated the factorial relationships among categorical error groups on the Benton Visual Retention Test (BVRT) copy and memory trials. Methods A sample of 523 ambulatory American Veteran patients who presented for clinical evaluation with a wide variety of mixed neuropsychiatric diagnoses and general medical diagnoses were studied. There were no demographic or diagnostic exclusion criteria. Results Frequency summary scores for the six types of BVRT errors (omission, misplacement, size, distortion, perseveration, and rotation errors) were factored jointly by means of principal component analysis. Omission, misplacement, and size errors grouped factorially across copy and memory domains by error type. Results showed the factorial relationships are primarily defined by the type of error. Omission, size, and misplacement errors were grouped together regardless of whether they occurred on copy or memory trials. Rotation, distortion, and perseveration errors were factorially grouped on both the copy and memory trials, but the groupings of these similar error groups formed independent factors for the copy and memory trials. The copy error factor explained the most variance and the memory error factor o explained the least variance. Conclusions Omission, size, and misplacement errors on the BVRT copy and memory trials appear to be due to similar encoding process errors. Distortion, rotation, and perseveration errors on the BVRT copy and memory trials are related to each other within each trial type but different cognitive processes account for errors of this kind on the copy and memory trials.

EVALUATION OF COGNITIVE FUNCTION AMONG NEWLY DIAGNOSED IDIOPATHIC EPILEPTIC PATIENTS

Background: Neuropsychological study of new-onset idiopathic epilepsy is considered an exciting opportunity to document cognitive effects of epilepsy before initiation of antiepileptic drugs. Recent studies revealed significant affection of executive functions in new onset seizure without medication. Aim of the Work: To evaluate cognitive functions including (IQ, visual memory and executive functions) in patients with idiopathic epilepsy at onset of disorder before drug treatment or within one week of treatment. Patients and Methods: An observational case -control study was conducted on 30 patients with new onset idiopathic epilepsy recruited from the outpatient clinic of the department of neurology (Ain ShamsUniversity) and 30 healthy cross matched control in the period from June 2016 to June 2018. Both patients and control were subjected to cognitive assessments (Wechsler IQ, Benton visual retention test and Wisconsin card sorting test).Results:In our study we found significant poor performance of patient group before treatment compared to control group in all domains of intellectual abilities measured by Wechsler IQ test (verbal IQ, performance IQ and total IQ), visual memory measured by Benton visual retention test (obtained correct score, expected error scores and difference between them, obtained error score and expected error score and difference between them) and executive functions measuredby Wisconsin card sorting test (conceptual level, category completed, perseverative errors and non-perseverative errors).Conclusion: cognitive functions impairment including (intellectual level, visual memory and executive functions) were found in patients with idiopathic epilepsy at onset of epilepsy and before treatment.

The 5 Objects Test: Normative data from a Spanish community sample.

The objective of this study was to provide normative data for the 5 Objects Test in a large Spanish community sample, as well as some validity evidence. The sample was composed of 427 participants (of which 220 females, age 15 to 95 years old; educational level range: 2-17 years). Normative data are provided, as well as correlations with test scores from Benton Visual Retention test, Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure and Mini Mental State Examination. No association was found between delayed recall score and level of education, age or gender. Immediate recall score was correlated with age. Both immediate and delayed recall significantly correlated with the criteria, evidencing concurrent validity. It is recommended that the 5 Objects Test be used for assessing persons in primary care, including those from different linguistic backgrounds or with limited language use. Delayed recall scores are especially recommended given the lack of association with demographic variables.

Long-term impact of subthalamic stimulation on cognitive function in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (DBS-SN) on cognitive function in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) 5 years after surgery. Material and methodsWe conducted a prospective study including 50 patients with PD who underwent DBS-SN (62.5% were men; mean age of 62.2±8.2 years; mean progression time of 14.1±6.3 years). All patients were assessed before the procedure and at one year after surgery; 40 patients were further followed up until the 5-year mark. Follow-up assessments included the following neuropsychological tests: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (MDRS), letter-number sequencing of the WAIS-III (WAIS-III-LN), clock-drawing test, Rey auditory verbal learning test (RAVLT), Benton Visual Retention Test (BVRT), Judgment of Line Orientation (JLO) test, FAS Phonemic Verbal Fluency Test, Stroop test, and the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). ResultsPatients were found to score lower on the MMSE (−0.89%), clock-drawing test (−2.61%), MDRS (−1.72%), and especially phonemic (−13.28%) and sematic verbal fluency tests (−12.40%) at one year after surgery. Delayed recall on the RAVLT worsened one year after the procedure (−10.12%). At 5 years, impairment affected mainly verbal fluency; scores decreased an additional 16.10% and 16.60% in semantic and phonemic verbal fluency, respectively. Moderate decreases were observed in immediate recall (−16.87%), WAIS-III-LN (−16.67%), and JLO test (−11.56%). DiscussionIn our sample, DBS-SN did not result in global cognitive impairment 5 years after surgery. Verbal function was found to be significantly impaired one year after the procedure. Impaired learning and visuospatial function may be attributed to degeneration associated with PD.

Cognitive functions in children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

There is controversy regarding cognitive function in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). This study is aimed at the assessment of cognitive functions in children with CAH, and their relation to hydrocortisone (HC) therapy and testosterone levels. Thirty children with CAH due to 21 hydroxylase deficiency were compared with twenty age- and sex-matched healthy controls. HC daily and cumulative doses were calculated, the socioeconomic standard was assessed, and free testosterone was measured. Cognitive function assessment was performed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale - Revised for Children and Adults (WISC), the Benton Visual Retention Test, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). The mean age (SD) of patients was 10.22 (3.17) years [11 males (36.7%), 19 females (63.3%)]. Mean (SD) HC dose was 15.78 (4.36) mg/m 2 /day. Mean (SD) cumulative HC dose 44,689. 9 (26,892.02) mg. Patients had significantly lower scores in all domains of the WISC test, performed significantly worse in some components of the Benton Visual Retention Test, as well as in the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. There was no significant difference in cognitive performance when patients were subdivided according to daily HC dose (< 10, 10 - 15, > 15 mg/m 2 /day). A positive correlation existed between cumulative HC dose and worse results of the Benton test. No correlation existed between free testosterone and any of the three tests. Patients with CAH are at risk of some cognitive impairment. Hydrocortisone therapy may be implicated. This study highlights the need to assess cognitive functions in CAH.