Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Third Edition Research Articles

The Relation of Executive Functioning to CVLT-II Learning, Memory, and Process Indexes

Previous research has found that executive functioning plays a role in memory performance. This study sought to determine the amount of variance accounted for in the California Verbal Learning Test-Second Edition (CVLT-II) by a global executive-functioning factor score. Archival data were extracted from 285 outpatients in a mixed neurologic sample. Measures used included: CVLT-II, Wisconsin Card-Sorting Test (Perseverative Errors), Trail-Making Test-Part B, Controlled Oral Word Association Test, Animal Naming, and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Third Edition Similarities. Executive data were reduced to a single executive-functioning factor score for each individual. Regression was used to determine the amount of variance accounted for by executive functioning in CVLT-II performance. Executive functioning accounted for minimal variance (0%–10%) in the following CVLT-II indexes: Total Learning (Trials 1–5), Semantic Clustering, Repetitions, Intrusions, and False Positives. However, executive functioning accounted for substantial variance (24%–31%) in CVLT-II performance for both Short- and Long-Delay Recall indexes and most discriminability indexes. CVLT-II indexes that would intuitively be associated with executive functioning accounted for a smaller-than-expected amount of variance. Additionally, level of executive functioning was related to level of CVLT-II performance. These results suggest that clinicians should consider executive deficits when interpreting mild-to-moderate memory impairments in recall and discriminability functions but that executive abilities have little effect on other aspects of memory.

Validation of WAIS-III Four-Subtest Short Forms in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury

In an effort to identify four-subtest Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Third Edition (WAIS-III) short forms valid for estimating Full-Scale IQ (FSIQ) among individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI), seven tetrad versions of the WAIS-III were evaluated in a convenience sample of patients referred for neuropsychological assessment (n = 176). Estimated FSIQ scores were compared to actual FSIQ scores via correlation analyses, repeated-measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs), and frequency analyses. All short form-estimated FSIQ scores correlated highly with actual scores (all rs > .91, ps < .001). Repeated-measures ANOVAs identified no significant differences between actual and short form-estimated FSIQ scores for two of the seven short forms. These same two short forms had the highest percentage of scores within ±5 points of actual FSIQ scores (75.6% and 71.6%). Thus, two tetrad versions were consistently superior to others in accuracy of estimating FSIQ; these may be helpful when time constraints or other issues necessitate use of an abbreviated battery for estimating FSIQ among individuals with TBI.

Sex differences in the association between muscle quality, inflammatory markers, and cognitive decline.

Aspects of frailty such as sarcopenia and dementia are associated with a proinflammatory state; however, little research has examined the concurrence of these pathologies. This study examined sex-specific differences in the relationship between low muscle quality and impaired cognitive functioning, while considering the role of inflammatory markers. The nationally representative sample was drawn from a cross-sectional study. Four hundred forty-five females and four hundred twenty-two males over age 60 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 2001-2002 were included. Muscle quality was calculated as isokinetic strength per unit muscle mass. Skeletal muscle mass of the legs was measured using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and isokinetic strength of the knee extensors was estimated using a Kin-Com dynamometer. Participants were assessed for cognitive functioning using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Third Edition (WAIS-III) Digit Symbol - Coding module. High sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) assays were performed on blood samples using a Behring Nephelometer to estimate levels of inflammation. Sex stratified ordinary least squares regression models were utilized to estimate the relationship between muscle quality and cognitive functioning, while examining CRP as a possible mechanism and controlling for potential confounds. In the first model a statistically significant positive relationship was found between cognitive functioning and muscle quality for both sex groups. In the second model, CRP was found to have a statistically significant negative association with cognitive functioning for females but not males. Furthermore, the inclusion of CRP in the second model significantly reduced the predictive power of muscle quality for females, as compared to model 1. Measures of sarcopenia are associated with lower cognitive functioning in older adults, and for females, this association may be partly due to systemic inflammation. Further research is need to examine the relationship between these frailty-related pathologies, which have substantial health and economic implications.

Cognitive changes after surgery vs stenting for carotid artery stenosis

Cognitive function has not been evaluated systematically in the context of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) versus carotid artery stenting (CAS). Cognitive decline can occur from microembolization or hypoperfusion during CEA or CAS. Carotid revascularization may, however, also improve cognitive dysfunction resulting from chronic hypoperfusion. We compared cognitive outcomes in consecutive asymptomatic patients undergoing CAS or CEA. This is a prospective nonrandomized single-center study of patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis ≥ 70% undergoing CAS or CEA using standard techniques. Neurologic symptoms were evaluated by history, physical examination, and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. A 50-minute cognitive battery was performed 1 to 3 days before and 4 to 6 months after CEA/CAS. The tests (Trail Making Tests A/B, Processing Speed Index (PSI) of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale - Third Edition (WAIS-III), Boston Naming Test, Working Memory Index (WMI) of the Wechsler Memory Scale - Third Edition (WMS-III), Controlled Oral Word Association, and Hopkins Verbal Learning Test) for six cognitive domains (motor speed/coordination and executive function, psychomotor speed, language (naming), working memory/concentration, verbal fluency, and learning/memory) were conducted by a neuropsychologist. The primary analysis of impact of treatment modality was a normalized cognitive change score. Forty-six patients underwent prepost testing (CEA = 25, CAS = 21). Women comprised 36% of the cohort, mean preprocedural stenosis was 84%, and 54% were right-sided lesions. All patients were successfully revascularized without periprocedural complications. The scores for each test improved after CEA except WMI, which decreased in 20 of 25 patients. Improvement occurred in all tests after CAS except PSI, which decreased in 18 of 21 patients. In addition to comparing the changes in individual test scores, overall cognitive change was measured by calculating the change in composite cognitive score (CCS) postprocedure versus baseline. To compute the CCS, the raw scores from each test were transformed into z scores and then averaged to calculate each patient's composite score. The composite score at baseline was then compared with that from the postprocedure testing. The CCS improved after both CEA and CAS, and the changes were not significantly different between the groups (.51 vs .47; P = NS). Carotid revascularization results in an overall improvement in cognitive function. There are no differences in the composite scores of five major cognitive domains between CEA and CAS. When individual tests are compared, CEA results in a reduction in memory, while CAS patients show reduced psychomotor speed. Larger studies will help confirm these findings.

Neuropsychiatric symptoms and intelligence quotient in autosomal dominant Segawa disease

Segawa disease is a rare dystonia due to autosomal dominant guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase I (adGTPCH) deficiency, affecting dopamine and serotonin biosynthesis. Recently, the clinical phenotype was expanded to include psychiatric manifestations, such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and sleep disturbances. Although cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms may be attributable to dopamine deficiency in the prefrontal cortex and frontostriatal circuitry, intelligence is considered normal in Segawa disease. Our aim was to investigate neuropsychiatric symptoms and intelligence quotients (IQ) in a series of individuals with adGTPCH deficiency. The assessment included a structured clinical interview following the DSM-IV-TR's guidelines, Beck's Depression Inventory, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Maudsley Obsessive-Compulsive Questionnaire, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11), the Oviedo Sleep Questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Third Edition. Equivalent tests were applied to pediatric patients as appropriate for their age group. Fourteen patients with adGTPCH deficiency were evaluated (seven adult and seven pediatric patients). Depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms were not more common than expected in the general population. However, the seven adults showed impulsivity in the BIS-11; nine individuals had an IQ in the range of borderline intellectual functioning to mild mental retardation, and sleep disturbances were found in four individuals. We found no differences between these results and the motor impairment. In conclusion, our findings would suggest that cognitive impairment, and impulsivity in adults, may be associated with Segawa disease.

Variable Global Dysconnectivity and Individual Differences in Schizophrenia

A fundamental challenge for understanding neuropsychiatric disease is identifying sources of individual differences in psychopathology, especially when there is substantial heterogeneity of symptom expression, such as is found in schizophrenia (SCZ). We hypothesized that such heterogeneity might arise in part from consistently widespread yet variably patterned alterations in the connectivity of focal brain regions. We used resting state functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging to identify variable global dysconnectivity in 23 patients with DSM-IV SCZ relative to 22 age-, gender-, and parental socioeconomic status-matched control subjects with a novel global brain connectivity method that is robust to high variability across individuals. We examined cognitive functioning with a modified Sternberg task and subtests from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Third Edition. We measured symptom severity with the Scale for Assessment of Positive and Negative Symptoms. We identified a dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) region with global and highly variable dysconnectivity involving within-PFC underconnectivity and non-PFC overconnectivity in patients. Variability in this "under/over" pattern of dysconnectivity strongly predicted the severity of cognitive deficits (matrix reasoning IQ, verbal IQ, and working memory performance) as well as individual differences in every cardinal symptom domain of SCZ (poverty, reality distortion, and disorganization). These results suggest that global dysconnectivity underlies dorsolateral PFC involvement in the neuropathology of SCZ. Furthermore, these results demonstrate the possibility that specific patterns of dysconnectivity with a given network hub region might explain individual differences in symptom presentation in SCZ. Critically, such findings might extend to other neuropathologies with diverse presentation.

COMT (Val158/108Met) genotype moderates the impact ofantipsychotic medication on verbal IQ in twins with schizophrenia

In this study, we aimed to assess the moderating effects of the catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) (Val(158/108)Met) genotype on antipsychotic medication-induced changes in the cognitive performance of patients with chronic schizophrenia. The sample consisted of 85 monozygotic and 53 dizygotic twin pairs, of varying concordance for schizophrenia, and healthy control twins. Cognitive ability was measured using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-third edition. We used structural equation modelling to estimate main and interaction effects of the COMT status and antipsychotic medication dose on verbal intelligence quotient (VIQ) and performance intelligence quotient scores. There was no evidence of a main or interaction effect of the COMT status or chlorpromazine equivalent dose on the performance intelligence quotient. There were no main effects of COMT or chlorpromazine equivalent dose on VIQ; however, there was evidence of a statistically significant interaction (P<0.01) between the COMT and chlorpromazine equivalents on VIQ. The VIQ performance of val/val individuals was significantly lower with increasing antipsychotic medication dose, up to 12 intelligence quotient points lower than met carriers treated with medication. In the absence of medication, the three genotypes did not significantly differ, whereas at the highest doses (1500), the val/val homozygotes and Met carriers differed by more than one standard deviation. Our results show that the verbal abilities of val homozygotes of the COMT gene are cognitively impaired by higher doses of antipsychotic medication. This association is reversed in Met carriers. These data are consistent with an earlier study that found evidence of moderating effects of antipsychotic medication on N-back and verbal fluency tasks.

Associations between self-assessed masticatory ability and higher brain function among the elderly

Among the elderly, the quality of higher brain function is a contributing factor in performing activities of daily living. The aim of the study is to elucidate, epidemiologically, associations between mastication and higher brain function. A total of 208 community-dwelling elderly persons, aged 70-74 years, were enrolled. Self-assessed masticatory ability (masticatory ability) was classified into one of three categories: ability to chew all kinds of food, ability to chew only slightly hard food, or ability to chew only soft or pureed food. Brain function was assessed by four neuropsychological tests: Raven's Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM) test, the Verbal Paired Associates 1 (VerPA) task and the Visual Paired Associates 1 task (from the Wechsler Memory Scale Revised Edition), and the Block Design subtest (from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scales-Third Edition). Correlations between masticatory ability and each test were examined using Spearman rank correlation coefficients. Multinominal logistic regression models were conducted with the neuropsychological tests as the dependent variables and masticatory ability as the principal independent variable to adjust for age, gender, educational background, social activity, drinking/smoking habits, chronic medical conditions and dental status. Significant correlations were found between the RCPM test, the VerPA task, the Block Design test and masticatory ability. In multinominal logistic regression models, poor masticatory ability was significantly and independently related to the categories under the mean-s.d. points compared with those of the mean ± s.d. ranges for RCPM test and the VerPA task. Significant associations may exist between mastication and higher brain function among the elderly.

Cognitive abilities and clinical variables in bipolar I depressed and euthymic patients and controls

Background While studies demonstrated that bipolar patients (BP) display cognitive deficits during mood episodes and remission, little is known about the clinical influences underlying these deficits. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of euthymic and depressed BPs and non-affective/psychotic disorder controls at several cognitive tasks, exploring which clinical variables influenced the performance of these subtests. It is hypothesized that the cognitive deficits in rank order are: depressed BPs > euthymic BPs > controls. Methods Sixty-five bipolar-I outpatients and thirty-four controls were assessed by the Brazilian version of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Third Edition (WAIS-III). BPs were divided into depressed and euthymics, and these two groups were then compared to non-affective/psychotic disorder controls. Results For 12 of 14 subtest scores, comparisons yielded statistically significant ( p < 0.05) between-group differences, including three subtests of attention and working memory (Digit Span and its two subtests) with both depressed and euthymic BPs, compared to controls, displaying significantly worse performance, and six subtests of visual and working memory with depressed (but not euthymic) BPs performing worse than controls. For all subtests, comparisons of depressed and euthymic patients’ scores were non-significant. Performance on several subtests was negatively predicted by the severity of the disorder in both patient groups. Limitations The cross-sectional design of the study, as well as confounding effects of medications and co-morbidities. Conclusions The fact that the impairment of cognitive performance of both groups of patients is influenced by the severity of the illness is consistent with the literature.

Pain, Executive Functioning, and Affect in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease resulting in substantial pain. The physical and emotional effects of RA are well known, but little attention has been given to the potential cognitive effects of RA pain, although intact executive functioning in patients with chronic illness is crucial for the successful completion of many daily activities. We examined the relationship between pain and executive functioning in patients with RA, and also considered the influence of positive and negative affect in the relationship between pain and executive functioning. A sample of 157 adults with RA completed measures of pain and positive and negative affect and were tested for working memory and selective attention using the Letter Number Sequencing subtest from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Third Edition and the Stroop Color Word Test tests, respectively. Consistent with prior research, pain was inversely related to executive functioning, with higher pain levels associated with poorer performance on executive functioning tasks. This relationship was not moderated or mediated by negative affect; however, positive affect moderated the relationship between pain and executive functioning. For patients high in positive affect there was a significant inverse relationship between pain and executive functioning, whereas there was no such relationship for patients low in positive affect. These findings are discussed in the context of cognitive research on the effects of positive affect on executive functioning and functional neuroanatomical research suggesting neurocognitive mechanisms for such moderation.

Partial SPAST and DPY30 deletions in a Japanese spastic paraplegia type 4 family

Spastic paraplegia type 4 (SPG4) is the most common autosomal dominant hereditary SPG caused by mutations in the SPAST gene. We studied the four-generation pedigree of a Japanese family with autosomal dominant hereditary SPG both clinically and genetically. Twelve available family members (ten affected; two unaffected) and two spouses were enrolled in the study. The clinical features were hyperreflexia in all four limbs, spasticity of the lower extremities, impaired vibration sense, mild cognitive impairment confirmed by the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Third Edition, and peripheral neuropathy confirmed by neurophysiological examinations. All four female patients experienced miscarriages. The cerebrospinal fluid tau levels were mildly increased in two of three patients examined. Linkage analyses revealed the highest logarithm of odds score of 2.64 at 2p23-p21 where the SPAST gene is located. Mutation scanning of the entire exonic regions of the SPAST gene by direct sequencing revealed no mutations. Exonic copy number analysis by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed heterozygous deletion of exons 1 to 4 of the SPAST gene. Breakpoint analysis showed that the centromeric breakpoint was located within intron 4 of SPAST while the telomeric breakpoint was located within intron 3 of the neighboring DPY30 gene, causing a deletion of approximately 70 kb ranging from exons 1 to 3 of DPY30 to exons 1 to 4 of SPAST. To our knowledge, this is the first report of SPG4 associated with partial deletions of both the SPAST and DPY30 genes. The partial heterozygous deletion of DPY30 could modify the phenotypic expression of SPG4 patients with this pedigree.

Comparison of WAIS-III Short Forms for Measuring Index and Full-Scale Scores

This investigation assessed the ability of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Third Edition (WAIS-III) short forms to estimate both index and IQ scores in a large, mixed clinical sample (N = 809). More specifically, a commonly used modification of Ward's seven-subtest short form (SF7-A), a recently proposed index-based SF7-C and eight-subtest short form (SF8) were evaluated. All three SFs proved adequate for estimating verbal comprehension, perceptual organization, and full-scale intelligence within considerably less time relative to an SF11 that provides full measurement of WAIS index scores. The SF7-A provided the best combination overall in terms of psychometric performance and estimated time savings. However, SF8 best represents all four factors and allows measurement of processing speed. The SF7-C was most hampered by inclusion of the Block Design subtest in the current assessment, but may prove advantageous in future extensions to the WAIS-IV.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Detection of early amnestic mild cognitive impairment without significantly objective memory impairment: a case‐controlled study

AbstractBackground: We encountered eight early amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) patients (early MCI group) who did not fulfill the diagnostic criteria for aMCI. We compared the scores of neuropsychological examinations as well as the cerebral metabolic rate for glucose consumption (CMRglc) decrease on 18F‐FDG PET examination between the early MCI group and 10 aMCI patients (MCI group) or six normal elderly subjects (normal group), to examine whether the current diagnostic criteria can detect early‐stage aMCI.Methods: The three groups underwent Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – Third Edition (WAIS‐III), Wechsler Memory Scale Revised (WMS‐R), magnetic resonance imaging and 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F‐FDG PET) examinations.Results: The early MCI group did not show significant memory impairment of 1.0 SD or other cognitive dysfunctions on neuropsychological examinations, and did not fulfill the diagnostic criteria of aMCI. With one‐way anova and Tukey's HSD post‐hoc test, the early MCI group showed the highest scores for WAIS‐III, whereas the MCI group showed the lowest scores for WMS‐R, although there were no significant differences between the early MCI and normal groups. In order to show a discrepancy in scores between WAIS‐III and WMS‐R, we subtracted the scores of WMS‐R from WAIS‐III. Consequently, the normal group showed significantly smaller differences in scores than the other groups, although there were no significant differences between the early MCI and MCI groups. 18F‐FDG PET recognized a CMRglc decrease in the posterior cingulate gyrus and/or part of the parietotemporal area in both the MCI and early MCI groups, of which the extent and magnitude were weaker in the early MCI group. The normal group did not show a significant CMRglc.Conclusions: The early MCI group should be included in aMCI not only based on the discrepancy between intelligence and memory scores, but also based on the 18F‐FDG PET findings. The combination of these examinations would make it possible to diagnose early‐stage aMCI.

Neuropsychological Dysfunction and Neuroimaging Abnormalities in Neurologically Intact Adults With Sickle Cell Anemia

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a chronic illness causing progressive deterioration in quality of life. Brain dysfunction may be the most important and least studied problem affecting individuals with this disease. To measure neurocognitive dysfunction in neurologically asymptomatic adults with SCA vs healthy control individuals. Cross-sectional study comparing neuropsychological function and neuroimaging findings in neurologically asymptomatic adults with SCA and controls from 12 SCA centers, conducted between December 2004 and May 2008. Participants were patients with SCA (hemoglobin [Hb] SS and hemoglobin level < or = 10 mg/dL) aged 19 to 55 years and of African descent (n = 149) or community controls (Hb AA and normal hemoglobin level) (n = 47). Participants were stratified on age, sex, and education. The primary outcome measure was nonverbal function assessed by the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, third edition (WAIS-III) Performance IQ Index. Secondary exploratory outcomes included performance on neurocognitive tests of executive function, memory, attention, and language and magnetic resonance imaging measurement of total intracranial and hippocampal volume, cortical gray and white matter, and lacunae. The mean WAIS-III Performance IQ score of patients with SCA was significantly lower than that of controls (adjusted mean, 86.69 for patients with SCA vs 95.19 for controls [mean difference, -5.50; 95% confidence interval {CI}, -9.55 to -1.44]; P = .008), with 33% performing more than 1 SD (<85) below the population mean. Among secondary measures, differences were observed in adjusted mean values for global cognitive function (full-scale IQ) (90.47 for patients with SCA vs 95.66 for controls [mean difference, -5.19; 95% CI, -9.24 to -1.13]; P = .01), working memory (90.75 vs 95.25 [mean difference, -4.50; 95% CI, -8.55 to -0.45]; P = .03), processing speed (86.50 vs 97.95 [mean difference, -11.46; 95% CI, -15.51 to -7.40]; P < .001), and measures of executive function. Anemia was associated with poorer neurocognitive function in older patients. No differences in total gray matter or hippocampal volume were observed. Lacunae were more frequent in patients with SCA but not independently related to neurocognitive function. Compared with healthy controls, adults with SCA had poorer cognitive performance, which was associated with anemia and age.

The Impact of Antidepressant Treatment on Cognitive Functioning in Depressed Patients with Parkinson's Disease

The Impact of Antidepressant Treatment on Cognitive Functioning in Depressed Patients with Parkinson's Disease

Effects of cultural background on WAIS-III and WMS-III performances after moderate–severe traumatic brain injury

The assessment of cognitive function in individuals of culturally and linguistically diverse background poses considerable challenges for the psychologist, particularly when English proficiency is limited. This study explored the effects of diverse cultural background and non-Western educational background on Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Third edition (WAIS-III) and Wechsler Memory Scale–Third Edition (WMS-III) performances in moderate–severe traumatic brain injury within an outpatient rehabilitation setting. Participants were aged 16–65 years and met careful selection criteria. IQ, index and age-scaled subtest scores were compared across three groups: (a) English-speaking background (n = 130), (b) culturally and linguistically diverse background and education completed in English (n = 33), and (c) culturally and linguistically diverse background and non-English education (n = 33). Cultural backgrounds included people of Asian, European, Middle Eastern, African and Oceania origin. Results were that the English-educated culturally and linguistically diverse group performed lower than the English-speaking background group on some verbal WAIS-III measures; effect sizes were small–moderate. The non-English-educated culturally and linguistically diverse group performed lower than both groups on several WAIS-III and one WMS-III measure, with large effect sizes. Clinical implications included the need for caution in interpreting test scores to avoid diagnostic errors and the need for further development of valid assessment tools.

Comparison of the WAIS‐III and WISC‐IV in 16‐Year‐Old Special Education Students

Background Previous research with earlier versions of the WISC and WAIS has demonstrated that when administered to people who have intellectual disabilities, the WAIS produced higher IQ scores than the WISC. The aim of this study was to examine whether these differences still exist. A comparison of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – Third Edition (WAIS‐III) with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fourth Edition (WISC‐IV) was conducted with individuals who were 16 years old and receiving special education.Materials and Methods All participants completed the WAIS‐III (UK) and WISC‐IV (UK). The order of administration was counterbalanced; the mean Full Scale IQ and Index scores on the WAIS‐III and WISC‐IV were compared.Results The WAIS‐III mean Full Scale IQ was 11.82 points higher than the mean Full Scale IQ score on the WISC‐IV. Significant differences were also found between the Verbal Comprehension Index, Perceptual Reasoning/Organization Index and Processing Speed Index on the WAIS‐III and WISC‐IV, all with the WAIS‐III scoring higher.Conclusions The findings suggest that the WAIS‐III produces higher scores than the WISC‐IV in people with intellectual disabilities. This has implications for definitions of intellectual disability and suggests that Psychologists should be cautious when interpreting and reporting IQ scores on the WAIS‐III and WISC‐IV.

Deterioration of intelligence in methamphetamine‐induced psychosis: Comparison with alcohol dependence on WAIS‐III

Long-term use of methamphetamine could induce psychosis, but consequences with regards to intelligence have seldom been investigated. Long-term use of alcohol could also result in intellectual deterioration. The IQ of 34 methamphetamine-induced psychosis (MIP) patients (age, 28.7 +/- 6.1 years) and 34 alcohol-dependent (AD) patients (age, 40.7 +/- 7.3 years) was compared using the Chinese version of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Third Edition (WAIS-III). The average full-scale IQ, verbal IQ, performance IQ, verbal comprehension index, working memory index, perceptual organization index, and processing speed index was 82.3 +/- 10.8, 84.3 +/- 11.9, 81.9 +/- 12.1, 85.5 +/- 11.9, 84.7 +/- 12.5, 85.4 +/- 13.6, and 78.5 +/- 12.7 in MIP patients and 90.5 +/- 12.0, 95.2 +/- 11.3, 86.0 +/- 13.7, 95.5 +/- 11.0, 87.1 +/- 14.5, 96.2 +/- 13.1, and 84.5 +/- 15.0 in AD patients, respectively. There were six MIP patients (17.6%) whose full-scale IQ was <70 and 13 (38.2%) whose full-scale IQ was <85 and >70, while one AD patient had a full-scale IQ <70 (2.9%) and 10 (22%) had full-scale IQ <85 and >70. Long-term use of methamphetamine can result not only in psychosis, but also in mentality deterioration. Intelligence deterioration is more severe in clinical MIP patients than AD patients. Assessment of the mentality of MIP patients is suggested to help with the implementation of rehabilitative programs for these patients.

Identification of a Social Cognition Construct for the WAIS-III

Recent studies of autism and schizophrenia examining the factor structure of the subtests of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised have identified a factor that is thought to assess social cognitive (SC) processes or social context. The objective of the current study was to determine whether a similar factor could be identified using confirmatory factor analysis of the 14 Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Third Edition (WAIS-III) subtests in the standardization sample. A five-factor model that included an SC factor along with verbal comprehension, perceptual organization, working memory, and processing speed factors provided the best fit of the data. The SC factor was composed of the Picture Arrangement, Picture Completion, and Object Assembly subtests when all 14 WAIS-III subtests were included. These results provide support for the construct validity of SC factors measured by the WAIS-III in the standardization sample, although additional research is necessary to determine its stability across age groups and clinical populations, as well as its sensitivity to various forms of brain dysfunction.

Adult Dyslexia and Attention Deficit Disorder in Finland—Project DyAdd

The project Adult Dyslexia and Attention Deficit Disorder in Finland (Project DyAdd) compares adults (n = 119, 18—55 years) with dyslexia, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia together with ADHD (comorbid), and healthy controls with neuropsychological, psychophysical, and biological methods. The focus of this article is on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—Third Edition (WAIS-III). The clinical groups performed well compared to the norms, and they did not differ from each other. However, compared to the controls, all of them were slightly poorer in their Full IQ, and of the factors, processing speed was relatively difficult for all of them. In addition to the group comparisons, a cluster analysis based on subtest scores was conducted over the clinical groups. It did not suggest a solution that would differentiate between the clinical groups. Instead, four clusters emerged: above average, average, poor perceptual organization, and poor working memory. Thus, differentiating between these clinical groups with the WAIS-III was not possible. However, all of them shared a relative difficulty in processing speed, and group-independent clusters with perceptual or memory difficulties emerged.