Working Memory Scores Research Articles

Formal Thought Disorders and Neurocognition in Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia: Trouble du cours de la pensée et neurocognition dans la schizophrénie réfractaire.

Formal thought disorders (FTDs), a core feature of schizophrenia, have been subdivided into positive and negative types, and are clinically assessed by examining speech (objective) or patient introspection (subjective). Despite being associated with poorer treatment response and worse outcomes, FTDs have been understudied in patients with schizophrenia, in particular treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) or schizoaffective disorder. We aimed to explore the relationship between the severity of positive and negative FTDs and neurocognition as well as social/occupational functioning in this clinical subgroup. This was a retrospective chart review conducted at the Clozapine Clinic at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada. We reviewed charted standardized assessment of FTDs using the Thought and Language Disorder (TALD) scale, neurocognition using the Brief Cognitive Assessment Tool for Schizophrenia (B-CATS), and functioning using the Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale (SOFAS) between October 2022 and June 2023. Following the original factor structure of the TALD, we computed 4- factor scores that combined positive or negative and objective or subjective FTDs. We then explored the correlation between the scores from each TALD factor and the neurocognition and functioning scores. We analysed data for 23 outpatients on clozapine. After the Bonferroni adjustment, total TALD scores, indicating overall severity of FTDs, were strongly and inversely correlated with SOFAS scores (p < 0.001). A strong inverse correlation was found between the objective positive TALD factor and Letter-Number Span verbal working memory scores, r(21) = -0.63, p < 0.001. Our results demonstrate the strong relationship between FTDs, neurocognition, and social/occupational functioning in a sample of TRS outpatients. Within the cognitive domains assessed, verbal working memory impairment had the strongest correlation with positive FTDs, such as derailment or tangentiality. These findings highlight the value of employing standardized psychopathological scales for FTDs in clinical practice.

The effect of the Bilateral Integration exercise program on the cognitive functioning of pupils with moderate intellectual disabilities.

Children with intellectual disability tend to exhibit lower performance in fundamental movement skills, such as locomotor skills, object control skills, and balance, compared to their typically developing peers. Evidence suggests that physical activity programs tailored for individuals with intellectual disabilities can positively influence the development of their motor skills. Similar to typically developing children, physical activity in children with intellectual disabilities stimulates not only physical development, but also brain function, resulting in cognitive benefits. However, the extent of physical activity's impact on the cognitive functioning of this population remains insufficiently explored. The aim of our study was to assess the effectiveness of a motor exercise program based on the Bilateral Integration method implemented for pupils with moderate intellectual disabilities. The sample consisted of 27 pupils with moderate intellectual disability (13 in the intervention group and 14 in the control group) from two special schools in Poland. Pupils in the intervention group participated in a modified version of the Bilateral Integration School Program -a 26-week physical activity program that included both individual and group sessions. The assessment of cognitive functioning, using the Fifth Edition of the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Subtests, was conducted over three time points in both groups: a pre-test before the intervention (T1), a post-test after the intervention phase end (T2) and a follow-up assessment three months after the post-test (T3). Significant effects of the intervention compared to the control group were observed in certain cognitive variables. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant group-by-time interaction for the Nonverbal Visual-Spatial Processing score, Nonverbal Working Memory score, as well as Verbal Fluid Reasoning. The original program based on the Bilateral Integration method proved effective for pupils with moderate intellectual disability. Preliminary results indicate improvements in cognition, particularly in working memory and visual-spatial processing. Further studies are necessary to assess the program's efficacy comprehensively.

Effects of Playing an Interactive Educational App on Children's Learning and Executive Function

AbstractChildren are increasingly using educational apps, but little research has been conducted to determine their effectiveness. The current study compared the effect of an interactive touchscreen app to the effect of a noninteractive video about the app on young children's Chinese characters learning and executive functions (EFs). In a mixed between‐within design, 50 children aged 5 to 6 years old were randomly assigned to play the app on touchscreen or to watch a noninteractive video about the app. Results showed that children in the app condition made more progress from the pretest to the posttest in Chinese characters learning, and more improvement in working memory scores and inhibitory capacity scores compared to the video condition. Results suggest that interactive literacy apps on touchscreens benefit children's learning and EFs. Future research should continue to focus on the impact of different forms of touchscreen use on children's executive functioning.

6860 Cognitive Capacity in Children with Growth Hormone Deficiency

Abstract Disclosure: V. leal: None. V. Alvarez: None. S.S. Awadalla: None. Growth hormone (GH) is necessary for longitudinal growth and also has multiple other functions including neurologic development. Cognitive function in children with idiopathic isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) has been poorly studied. This study aims to prospectively investigate cognitive capacity in children with IGHD.Cognitive function of 10 children with IGHD (peak GH &amp;lt;10 μg/L) was studied using Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children IV: Intelligence Quotient, Verbal Comprehension Index, Perceptual Reasoning Index, and Working Memory and Processing Speed Indices.6 females and 4 males were included , Age was 10.04 ±2.01 years (M± DS) , height SDS was -1.86 ±0.19 . The IQ was 100.6 ±8.5, Verbal Comprehension was 99.3 ±8.5, Perceptual Reasoning was 102.5 ±9.1, Working Memory was 99.9 ±9.8, and Processing Speed was 98.9 ±13.1. Using Spearman correlation test ; a moderate positive correlation was observed between the GH peak and the intellectual coefficient IQ and peak GH: r=0.45, p=0.18, Perceptual reasoning and GH: r=0.43, p=0.2 without a statistical significance probably because of the sample size. In conclusion; The overall IQ score fell within the normal range, with lower scores in processing speed and working memory. These findings underscore the importance of considering not only the impact on linear growth but also on cognitive development when addressing growth hormone deficiency in the pediatric population Presentation: 6/3/2024

Experiential, perceptual, and cognitive individual differences in the development of declarative and automatized phonological vocabulary knowledge

Abstract The present study explores the influence of individual differences in experience, perceptual acuity, and working memory on the development of both declarative and automatized aspects of L2 phonological vocabulary knowledge. A total of 486 Japanese English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) students took part in two vocabulary tests designed to measure declarative (meaning recognition) and automatized knowledge (lexicosemantic judgement task). Their performance was tied to the quantity and quality of their EFL experience, as well as their scores in auditory processing and working memory. While several significant, modest correlations between experience, aptitude, and vocabulary outcomes were observed, certain predictor variables were uniquely associated with either declarative or automatized vocabulary performance. Specifically, individuals with more extensive, typically language-focused EFL training and greater working memory demonstrated higher levels of declarative knowledge. Conversely, those who pursued extracurricular practice outside the classroom – exposing themselves to auditory materials and/or participating in study-abroad experiences – showed a more automatic execution of vocabulary knowledge.

The Association Between Hypothyroidism and Cognitive Function Change in Women across the Menopause Transition: The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation.

Background: Patients treated for hypothyroidism with levothyroxine (LT4) monotherapy may present with persistent hypothyroidism symptoms, including cognitive symptoms, despite having a normal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level. It remains unclear whether LT4 monotherapy is sufficient to normalize cognitive function outcomes over time. Methods: This is a multisite longitudinal study of a diverse group of women during midlife representing 5 ethnic/racial groups from 7 enrollment sites across the United States in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. Women were screened for a history of thyroid disease and the use of LT4. The study consisted of two primary groups: women with LT4-treated hypothyroidism and control women without thyroid disease. Each participant completed up to 9 cognitive assessments over the study period testing processing speed, working memory, and episodic memory (immediate and delayed recall). Multivariable generalized linear mixed models of scores for each cognitive assessment were developed to determine the association between LT4-treated hypothyroidism and cognitive function trajectories. Covariates included sociodemographic, clinical characteristics, and menopausal status (pre/early peri, late peri, and surgical/post). Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the impact of abnormal TSH levels and practice effects (i.e., improvements in scoring after repeated testing). Results: Of the 2033 women who were included in the study, 227 (11.2%) met criteria for LT4-treated hypothyroidism. At baseline, both processing speed and working memory scores were higher in LT4-treated women (mean processing speed scores: 56.5 vs 54.4; p value = 0.006; mean working memory scores: 6.8 vs 6.4; p value = 0.018). However, when considering the effect of LT4-treated hypothyroidism over time, there were no significant differences in the rate of cognitive decline (in any measure) between the hypothyroidism and control groups with or without covariate adjustment. The results were similar when considering LT4-treated women with abnormal TSH levels or after minimizing practice effects. Conclusions: We observed no difference in cognitive decline between women with LT4-treated hypothyroidism and women without thyroid disease. For similar aged patients with cognitive complaints, if thyroid function testing is normal, clinicians should consider causes other than inadequate thyroid hormone treatment to explain these symptoms.

Working memory of young school-age learners acquiring L2 English morphology: An experimental exploratory lab study with structured input intervention

The aim of this pre-/posttest design lab case study is to find possible interactions between working memory (WM) effects and the effectiveness of structured input among 10-11-year-olds with first language (L1) German children. The target feature is the simple English past tense. The WM capacity was assessed via three span tasks: listening (LST), reading (RST), and a digit span task (DST). Second language (L2) learners' WM scores for all three span tasks were included as continuous predictors in the mixed model analysis. Assessment entailed sentence-level interpretation tasks yielding accuracy scores with reaction times, and a gap-filling production task with accuracy scores. Regarding interpretation, results varied. L2 learners with high DST scores outperformed learners with low DST scores in terms of accuracy. A mixed model analysis including reaction times did not improve the model's fit. Regarding production, the WM did not prove to be a predictor for the accuracy effects. However, L2 learners with early age of onset English (AOE) showed significant improvement over time and L2 learners with late AOE showed no effect at all. We conclude that instruction with structured input is effective regardless of the WM score, and its effects are retained over a 3 weeks' delayed period.

Optimizing adolescent health: Investigating physical activity’s impact on fitness, working memory, and academic performance

This quasi-experimental study investigates the intricate relationship among adolescents’ physical activity, working memory, and academic performance, recognizing their significance in adolescent development. Employing a quasi-experimental design, 85 13-year-olds from a Taiwanese junior high school were involved. Data scrutiny was facilitated through Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), with the mediation effect explored via Smart Partial Least Squares structural equation modeling (Smart PLS-SEM). Findings indicate significant improvements in physical fitness among both aerobic and resistance exercise groups compared to controls. Additionally, both exercise cohorts demonstrated a stronger positive association with verbal working memory scores than the control group. Intriguingly, visuospatial working memory fully mediated the relationship between resistance exercise and science performance. These results highlight the potential advantages of incorporating brief daily exercise sessions to bolster adolescent physical fitness and emphasize the mediating function of working memory in connecting physical activity with academic accomplishment. This study furnishes valuable insights for educators and policymakers striving to enhance adolescent well-being and academic achievement through targeted interventions.

Evaluating the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation on improving cognitive function in bipolar patients

BackgroundBipolar disorder is classified as one of the most debilitating mental diseases. Although patients receive medical treatment, cognitive deficits remain in the euthymic phase in many patients. It is hypothesized that brain electrical stimulation protocols that increase cognitive function may increase the quality of life. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation in improving cognitive function in bipolar patients in the euthymic phase. Methods & MaterialsIn a double-blind, sham-controlled- clinical trial, 46 euthymic bipolar patients diagnosed based on DSM-V were randomly divided into the two intervention and control groups. tDCS was applied for the intervention group using an anode electrode at the left dorsolateral-peripheral cortex (F3) and the cathode at the right dorsolateral-frontal (F4) (based on the 10/20 system) at 2 mA for 20 min. The Strop Color and Word Test, The Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), and The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAISR) were evaluated before, at the end of the third and the seventh weeks of the intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v 16. ResultsThe scores of immediate and delayed auditory memory and visual memory in the intervention group, unlike the control group, improved significantly after treatment. Moreover, Wechsler's working memory score in the intervention group improved significantly after treatment. Consistent and inconsistent answers scores were also significantly improved in the intervention group compared with the controls. ConclusionThe present study indicated that tDCS might be an efficient and safe method for improving cognitive function in euthymic bipolar patients.

The effect of brain training video games on improving visuospatial working memory and executive function in children with dyscalculia

The aim was to investigate the effect of brain training video games on improving visuospatial working memory and executive function in children with dyscalculia. This study employed a quasi-experimental, within-subjects design. Pre- post- and follow up test scores on visuospatial working memory and executive function were used. Sixty children from a primary education public school in Taif were selected. This study employed simple random method for selecting participants. Children assigned to the experimental group completed 18, 30 ms training sessions at the technology room in the presence of the researcher over a period of six weeks. The analyses were conducted using SPSS by performing a repeated-measures analysis of variance with a between-group factor and a with-group factor (pretest and posttest). Scheffé’s post hoc test was also applied. The training helped the intervention group gain better scores in visuospatial working memory and executive function in post test compared to control one. There were significant differences in visuospatial working memory and executive function across different measurements(pre-post-and follow up).

QOL-08. THE LONG-TERM UTILITY OF METHYLPHENIDATE FOR THE PRESERVATION OF INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDHOOD SURVIVORS OF BRAIN TUMOUR

Abstract BACKGROUND Enduring neurocognitive late effects are a common consequence of childhood brain tumour survivorship. Conceptual modelling of intelligence suggests initial deficits to processing speed and attention lead to the subsequent plateauing of intellectual and academic development. The utility of methylphenidate in improving attentional and processing speed deficits within the early phase of recovery has been previously reported. The longer-term contribution of methylphenidate in preserving intellectual ability through ameliorating these early deficits is yet to be evaluated. METHODS Twenty-nine childhood survivors were matched retrospectively with a no-treatment synthetic control. Intellectual assessments were conducted prior to starting methylphenidate and a minimum of 12 months thereafter. For the no-treatment control group, intellectual data were collected retrospectively from archival records, employing a similar assessment period. Linear Mixed Models were used to assess the influence of methylphenidate on intellectual trajectories between groups and fatigue scores over time. RESULTS Methylphenidate was associated with raw score improvements across all intellectual indices compared to no-treatment controls. Linear Mixed Modelling reported a borderline significant improvement in Processing Speed (t = 1.98, p =.05) for the methylphenidate group. In comparison, a borderline significant (p =.05) within-group decrease in Working Memory scores was reported for the no-treatment group. There was a significant within-group decrease in pooled PedsQL MFS scores between assessments for the treatment group (t = -4.01, p &amp;lt;.01), with the most notable decrease observed in Sleep/Rest Fatigue (t = -10.17, p &amp;lt;.01). CONCLUSIONS Methylphenidate may pose a valuable long-term rehabilitative strategy in preserving Processing Speed in childhood survivors of brain tumour. Whilst our sample size is small, there is tentative evidence for the utility of methylphenidate in alleviating fatigue experienced by childhood survivors.

Abnormalities in spontaneous brain activity and functional connectivity are associated with cognitive impairments in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

BackgroundIt remains unclear whether alterations in brain function occur in the early stage of pediatric type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM). We aimed to examine changes in spontaneous brain activity and functional connectivity (FC) in children with T1DM using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI), and to pinpoint potential links between neural changes and cognitive performance. MethodsIn this study, 22 T1DM children and 21 age-, sex-matched healthy controls underwent rs-fMRI. The amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and seed-based FC analysis were performed to examine changes in intrinsic brain activity and functional networks in T1DM children. Partial correlation analyses were utilized to explore the correlations between ALFF values and clinical parameters. ResultsThe ALFF values were significantly lower in the lingual gyrus (LG) and higher in the left medial superior frontal gyrus (MSFG) in T1DM children compared to controls. Subsequent FC analysis indicated that the LG had decreased FC with bilateral inferior occipital gyrus, and the left MSFG had decreased FC with right precentral gyrus, right inferior parietal gyrus and right postcentral gyrus in children with T1DM. The ALFF values of LG were positively correlated with full-scale intelligence quotient and age at disease onset in T1DM children, while the ALFF values of left MSFG were positively correlated with working memory scores. ConclusionOur findings revealed abnormal spontaneous activity and FC in brain regions related to visual, memory, default mode network, and sensorimotor network in the early stage of T1DM children, which may aid in further understanding the mechanisms underlying T1DM-associated cognitive dysfunction.

The Game-Based Training Improves Fundamental Movement Skills in Children with Down Syndrome

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of the game-based training program on fundamental movement skills (FMS) and working memory (WM) in male children with Down syndrome. Twenty-one children ages 9 to 11 years were assigned to either a Game- Based Training (GBT) or No-Training (NT) group. The GBT group participated in 12 sessions of game-based training, three sessions per week and 45 minutes per session whereas the NT group just performed normal daily activities. TGMD 2–Test was used to evaluate the motor development quality. The results showed that the GBT group performed better than the NT group in locomotor and manipulative skills. In the Corsi Block Task, although the mean scores of the GBT group were better than the NT group, it was not statistically significant. Our result revealed that after the game-based training program, participant’s scores improved in fundamental movement skills, but no significant improvement was observed in the working memory scores. Therefore, these findings support the positive effect of gamebased training on fundamental movement skills in children with Down syndrome.

Cognitive Outcomes of Children With Sagittal Craniosynostosis Treated With Either Endoscopic or Open Calvarial Vault Surgery

Several studies have reported a higher incidence of neurodevelopmental delays and cognitive deficits in patients with single-suture craniosynostosis; however, there are few studies examining the associations of repair type with cognitive outcomes. To measure differences in neuropsychological outcomes between school-age children who were treated for sagittal craniosynostosis and unaffected controls and explore differences in cognitive function among children with sagittal craniosynostosis who were previously treated with either endoscopic strip craniectomy or open calvarial vault surgery. This cohort study was performed between 2018 and 2022. Eligible participants included patients aged 5 to 17 years who had previously been seen as infants or toddlers (<3 years) at 1 of 3 surgical centers for craniosynostosis repair with either endoscopic surgery or open calvarial vault surgery. A separate cohort of unaffected controls were included for comparison. Data analysis was conducted from November 2023 to February 2024. Open calvarial vault surgery or endoscopic repair for single-suture craniosynostosis. The primary outcome was the Differential Ability Scales-II (DAS-II) General Conceptual Ability (GCA) score, an index for overall intellectual ability. Secondary outcomes included DAS-II subscale scores (Verbal Ability, Nonverbal Reasoning, Spatial Ability, Working Memory, and Processing Speed), and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) cognitive function scores. A total of 81 patients with sagittal craniosynostosis (59 male [73%]; 22 female [27%]) and 141 controls (81 male [57%]; 60 female [43%]) were included. Of the 81 participants with sagittal craniosynostosis, 46 underwent endoscopic repair and 35 underwent open repair. Median (range) age at time of follow-up assessment was 7.7 (5.0-14.8) years for children with sagittal craniosynostosis and median age at assessment was 8.5 (7.7-10.5) years for controls. After controlling for age at assessment, sex, and socioeconomic status, there was no statistically significant or clinically meaningful difference in GCA scores between children who underwent endoscopic repair (adjusted mean score, 100; 95% CI, 96-104) and open repair (adjusted mean score, 103; 95% CI, 98-108) (P > .99). We found no significant difference in PROMIS scores between repair types (median [range] for endoscopic repair 54 [31-68] vs median [range] for open repair 50 [32-63]; P = .14). When comparing the treatment groups with the unaffected controls, differences in subscale scores for GCA and working memory were observed but were within normal range. In this cohort study, there were no statistically or clinically significant differences in cognitive outcomes among school-age children by and type of surgical procedure used to repair nonsyndromic sagittal craniosynostosis. These findings suggest primary care clinicians should be educated about different options for craniosynostosis surgery to ensure early referral of these patients so that all treatment options remain viable.

Association between poverty, low educational level and smoking with adolescent's working memory: cross lagged analysis from longitudinal data.

Working memory is a crucial element of cognitive function. Previous cross-sectional studies have identified various determinants of working memory in children and adolescents. Nonetheless, no study has yet demonstrated the causal relationship of social determinants with working memory in adolescents. This study explores the causal link between the level of education, smoking, and other factors with adolescent's working memory. This study analyzed secondary data from waves 4 and 5 of the Indonesia Family Life Survey (IFLS), utilizing cross-lagged analysis in Jamovi version 2.4.8. The variables included working memory score, maternal education, household income, stress, educational level, smoking, urbanicity, and physical activity. These variables were extracted from IFLS waves 4 and 5, and each dependent variable in IFLS wave four was controlled by the same dependent variables in IFLS 5. Then, we used cross-lagged analysis to assess the causality between each dependent variable and a working memory score in IFLS wave 5. The findings indicate that level of education had a positive impact on working memory in adolescents aged 15-18 years, with a Beta value of 0.18 (95% CI 0.81-0.2; p < 0.001). Smoking and age were negatively associated with working memory, with Beta values of -0.07 (95% CI -0.65 -0.04; p < 0.029) and - 0.10 (95% CI -0.25 -0.05; p < 0.003), respectively. No evidence was found for a significant correlation between poverty and adolescents's working memory. The findings indicate that increased education levels are associated with improved working memory in adolescents aged 15-18. At the same time, smoking has a negative impact on working memory in this age group.

Disparate benefits of higher childhood socioeconomic status on cognition in young adulthood by intersectional social positions

ObjectivesEmerging evidence supports the protective effects of higher childhood socioeconomic status (cSES) on cognition over the life course. However, less understood is if higher cSES confers benefits equally across intersecting social positions. Guided by a situational intersectionality perspective and the theory of Minority Diminished Returns (MDR), this study examined the extent to which associations between cSES and cognition in young adulthood are jointly moderated by racialized identity and region of childhood residence. MethodsUsing data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), we used multilevel modeling to test associations between cSES and delayed recall and working memory 14 years later when participants were ages 25–34. Further, we examined the influence of racialized identity and region of childhood residence on these associations. ResultsHigher cSES was associated with higher delayed recall and working memory scores across social positions. However, the strength of the association between higher cSES and working memory differed across racialized subgroups and region of childhood residence. We found a statistically significant three-way interaction between cSES, race and region of childhood residence. Of particular important, a small yet statistically robust association was found in all groups, but was especially strong among White Southerners and especially weak among Black participants from the South. ConclusionsThis study contributes to a growing body of research indicating that the protective effects of higher cSES on cognition are not universal across subgroups of intersecting social positions, consistent with the theory of MDR. These findings provide evidence for the importance of considering the role of systemic racism across geographic contexts as part of initiatives to promote equity in life course cognitive aging and brain health.

Attention to the domains of Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale and Mini-Mental State Examination in patients with Alzheimer's disease dementia.

In Japan, Alzheimer's disease dementia (AD) is the most common cognitive disease, and the most widely used dementia screening tests are the Revised Hasegawa Dementia Scale (HDS-R) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). This study sought to elucidate the relationships of the individual domains of these tests with age and duration of school education in a large group of patients with AD. Participants were 505 new outpatients diagnosed with AD who completed the HDS-R and MMSE at the first visit. We investigated the relationships of total and individual domains of these tests with age and duration of school education using the least squares method. Next, we plotted regression lines of the individual domain scores against the total test scores. Younger age and longer duration of school education were significantly associated with higher total HDS-R and MMSE scores in AD. Domain-specific results indicated that younger age was significantly associated with a higher immediate memory score on both the HDS-R and MMSE and with a higher orientation (time), repetition score on the MMSE. Longer duration of school education was significantly associated with a higher working memory score on the HDS-R and with higher serial 7, repetition and writing scores on the MMSE. In addition, shorter duration of school education was significantly associated with higher naming score on the MMSE. The regression lines of orientation of time, remote memory, visual memory, and verbal frequency hit the bottom on the HDS-R (4/30, 8/30, 4/30, and 6/30, respectively) and of orientation of time, serial 7, remote memory, and writing also hit the bottom on the MMSE (8/30, 9/30, 11/30, and 8/30, respectively). We should pay attention to age, duration of school education, and the individual domains when using the HDS-R or MMSE to assess patients with AD.

Daytime sleep duration during infancy as an indicator for cognitive development at school age: a prospective cohort study.

The reduction in daytime sleep during early life is considered one of the indicators of the maturation of sleep patterns, which is closely associated with cognitive development. The current study aims to analyze the relationships between daytime sleep duration (DSD) during infancy and cognitive development at 6 and 10 years. The study included 262 mothers with their newborns from the Shanghai Sleep Birth Cohort Study, spanning 11 follow-ups from 42 days to 10 years. Sleep parameters were assessed using parent-reported questionnaires at each follow-up, and cognitive development was evaluated with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, fourth edition at 6 and 10 years. Two distinct DSD trajectories in early childhood were identified: "typical DSD" (66.7%) and "infancy excessive DSD" (33.3%). Children in the "infancy excessive DSD" trajectory exhibited lower working memory scores than those in the "typical DSD" trajectory at 6 years (mean difference = 5.90, 95% confidence interval [1.83, 9.96], P = .005) and 10 years (mean difference = 4.37, 95% confidence interval [0.26, 8.48], P = .037). Additional analysis in a relatively homogeneous sample consistently showed correlations between DSD trajectories and working memory performance. No consistent significant differences were found in other domains of cognitive development. Excessive daytime sleep during infancy may serve as an early indicator for poor working memory at school age. These findings raise concerns about the long-term cognitive development of infants with excessive DSD. Lin J, Jiang Y, Xiao X, etal. Daytime sleep duration during infancy as an indicator for cognitive development at school age: a prospective cohort study. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(7):1069-1077.

Neural and Cognitive Predictors of Stimulant Treatment Efficacy in Medication-Naïve ADHD Adults: A Pilot Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study

Objective: Stimulant medications are the main treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but overall treatment efficacy in adults has less than a 60% response rate. This study aimed to identify neural and cognitive markers predictive of longitudinal improvement in response to stimulant treatment in drug-naïve adults with ADHD. Method: We used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and executive function measures with 36 drug-naïve adult ADHD patients in a prospective study design. Results: Structural connectivity (measured by fractional anisotropy, FA) in striatal regions correlated with ADHD clinical symptom improvement following stimulant treatment (amphetamine or methylphenidate) in better medication responders. A significant positive correlation was also found between working memory performance and stimulant-related symptom improvement. Higher pre-treatment working memory scores correlated with greater response. Conclusion: These findings provide evidence of pre-treatment neural and behavioral markers predictive of longitudinal treatment response to stimulant medications in adults with ADHD.

Unraveling the link: white matter damage, gray matter atrophy and memory impairment in patients with subcortical ischemic vascular disease.

Prior MRI studies have shown that patients with subcortical ischemic vascular disease (SIVD) exhibited white matter damage, gray matter atrophy and memory impairment, but the specific characteristics and interrelationships of these abnormal changes have not been fully elucidated. We collected the MRI data and memory scores from 29 SIVD patients with cognitive impairment (SIVD-CI), 29 SIVD patients with cognitive unimpaired (SIVD-CU) and 32 normal controls (NC). Subsequently, the thicknesses and volumes of the gray matter regions that are closely related to memory function were automatically assessed using FreeSurfer software. Then, the volume, fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) values of white matter hyperintensity (WMH) region and normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) were obtained using SPM, DPARSF, and FSL software. Finally, the analysis of covariance, spearman correlation and mediation analysis were used to analyze data. Compared with NC group, patients in SIVD-CI and SIVD-CU groups showed significantly abnormal volume, FA, MD, ALFF, and ReHo values of WMH region and NAWM, as well as significantly decreased volume and thickness values of gray matter regions, mainly including thalamus, middle temporal gyrus and hippocampal subfields such as cornu ammonis (CA) 1. These abnormal changes were significantly correlated with decreased visual, auditory and working memory scores. Compared with the SIVD-CU group, the significant reductions of the left CA2/3, right amygdala, right parasubiculum and NAWM volumes and the significant increases of the MD values in the WMH region and NAWM were found in the SIVD-CI group. And the increased MD values were significantly related to working memory scores. Moreover, the decreased CA1 and thalamus volumes mediated the correlations between the abnormal microstructure indicators in WMH region and the decreased memory scores in the SIVD-CI group. Patients with SIVD had structural and functional damages in both WMH and NAWM, along with specific gray matter atrophy, which were closely related to memory impairment, especially CA1 atrophy and thalamic atrophy. More importantly, the volumes of some temporomesial regions and the MD values of WMH regions and NAWM may be potentially helpful neuroimaging indicators for distinguishing between SIVD-CI and SIVD-CU patients.