What networks of attention are affected by depression? A meta-analysis of studies that used the attention network test

Adaptive modes of attention: Evidence from attentional networks

Posner and Petersen (1990) suggested that the attention system is composed of three networks: alerting, orienting, and executive functioning or control. Drawing on this theory, the Attentional Networks Test (ANT) was designed to quantify the functionality of the three attention networks. The ANT is used extensively in psychology, neuroscience, and medicine. Later adjustments of the ANT have demonstrated that the three attention networks do not operate independently and can interact. The current study examined whether such interactions are constant or result from task demands. In three experiments (N = 147) we measured alerting, orienting, executive control and their interactions while manipulating task demands. The interactions between the three networks differed between experiments, with no interactions detected in the third experiment. We conclude that the interactions between executive functioning and alertness, and between executive functioning and orienting depend on spatial processes and are not an innate feature of attention. Our results suggest that the three attention networks can function independently, depending on task demands. Our findings offer experimental support for Posner and Petersen's theory (1990) and suggest a novel way to optimize attention measurements.

Introducing the portable AttentionTrip: An engaging tool for measuring the networks of attention

BACKGROUND

Measurement of the efficacy of the networks of attention is a frequent component of research in cognitive and clinical neuroscience. Developed in 2002, the Attention Network Test (ANT), has become the most widely used tool for this purpose.

NEW METHOD

In 2017 a more engaging, game-like tool based on the ANT, called the AttentionTrip was described. The network scores from five studies which used AttentionTrip are shown to be robust.

NEWER METHOD

That version of AttentionTrip required a steering wheel and desk-top computer. Here we describe a new, portable version of the AttentionTrip that is administered using a hand-held tablet (iPad) RESULTS: Three samples of participants (total = 44) completed the portable version of AttentionTrip. The network scores generated using the portable AttentionTrip were also robust. Effect sizes compare favourably with those generated by the ANT and the desktop version.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings support the use of the portable AttentionTrip as an alternative to the ANT when user engagement is important, such as when participants are prone to boredom, and when repeated administrations are required.

Cognition in vestibular disorders: state of the field, challenges, and priorities for the future

Vestibular disorders are prevalent and debilitating conditions of the inner ear and brain which affect balance, coordination, and the integration of multisensory inputs. A growing body of research has linked vestibular disorders to cognitive problems, most notably attention, visuospatial perception, spatial memory, and executive function. However, the mechanistic bases of these cognitive sequelae remain poorly defined, and there is a gap between our theoretical understanding of vestibular cognitive dysfunction, and how best to identify and manage this within clinical practice. This article takes stock of these shortcomings and provides recommendations and priorities for healthcare professionals who assess and treat vestibular disorders, and for researchers developing cognitive models and rehabilitation interventions. We highlight the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration for developing and evaluating clinically relevant theoretical models of vestibular cognition, to advance research and treatment.

Connecting residual depressive symptoms to self-reported executive functioning: A network analytical approach

Persisting executive functioning (EF) impairments following remission from depression form an important source of disability in daily life. However, little is known regarding how specific aspects of EF relate to residual depressive symptomatology. Using network analysis, the current study investigates unique associations between cognitive-, affective-, and somatic depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory 2nd edition, BDI-II) and self-reported EF (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function - Adult version, BRIEF-A) in a sample of 161 remitted depressed individuals. We identified three clusters of closely connected nodes, corresponding with the Metacognition- and Behavioral Regulation Index of the BRIEF-A, and one cluster consisting of cognitive, affective-, and somatic depressive symptomatology. Among the clusters consisting of EF domains, working memory and shifting difficulties emerged as bridging nodes. Depressive cognition most strongly connected the cluster of depressive symptoms with the EF clusters. Depressive symptom dimensions demonstrated both shared and unique associations with EF domains. Each depressive symptom dimension was directly related to emotional control impairments. In addition, multiple associations were observed between depressive symptomatology and complaints at the level of working memory, shifting, and planning/organizing. Depressive affect was uniquely related to difficulties initiating activity. The current findings provide insights into the relationship between perceived difficulties in EF and residual depressive symptomatology. EF domains were differentially related to depressive symptom dimensions, suggesting the need for further research into the role of EF following remission from depression.

Thinking about attention: Successive approximations to a productive taxonomy

Attention, the recruitment of processing resources, is viewed as pivotal for understanding normal behaviour and thought as well as the disorganizations associated with brain damage and disease. A brief history foreshadows aspects of a proposed taxonomy of attention that builds upon Posner's tripartite taxonomy. Posner's influential taxonomy views attention as a set of isolable neural systems (alerting, orienting and executive control), often working together to organize behaviour. For measuring the efficacy of these three networks, Posner and colleagues created the Attention Network Test (ANT). The impact of the taxonomy and this model task for exploring it is illustrated by the facts that they have spawned numerous variants designed for different purposes and that one or another variant has been used in almost a thousand publications. We have previously built upon this conceptual framework by considering: two modes of control over resource allocation which we labelled exogenous and endogenous and three domains over which these modes of control are presumed to operate (space, time and task or activity). The Combined Attention Systems Test (or CAST) was developed to measure the efficacy of the six kinds of attention implied by revised taxonomy. Lastly, this taxonomic effort is further developed by incorporating the distinction between overt, observable behaviour in the "real" world and covert "behaviour" in the realm of thought and imagination.