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Morawietz C, Dumalski N, Wissmann AM, Wecking J, Muehlbauer T. Consistency of spatial ability performance in children, adolescents, and young adults. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1365941. [PMID: 38487665 PMCID: PMC10938598 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1365941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Spatial abilities are essential cognitive skills for many aspects of our everyday life that develop substantially throughout childhood and adolescence. While there are numerous measurement tools to evaluate these abilities, many of them have been designed for specific age groups hampering comparability throughout development. Thus, we determined test-retest-reliability and minimal detectable change for a set of tests that evaluate spatial ability performance in their variety in youth and compared them to young adults. Methods Children (age: 11.4 ± 0.5 years, n = 26), adolescents (age: 12.5 ± 0.7 years, n = 22), and young adults (age: 26.1 ± 4.0 years, n = 26) performed a set of five spatial ability tests twice, 20 min apart: Paper Folding Test (PFT), Mental Rotation Test (MRT), Water Level Task (WLT), Corsi Block Test (CBT), and Numbered Cones Run (NCR). Relative and absolute test-retest reliability was determined by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC3,1) and the standard error of measurement (SEM), respectively. Further, the minimal detectable change (MDC95%) was calculated to identify clinically relevant changes between repeated measurements. Results Irrespective of test, reliability was "excellent" (i.e., ICC3,1 ≥ 0.75) in all age cohorts and the SEM values were rather small. The MDC95% values needed to identify relevant changes in repeated measurements of spatial ability performance ranged between 0.8 and 13.9% in children, 1.1 and 24.5% in adolescents, and 0.7 and 20.8% in young adults. Conclusion The determined values indicate that the investigated set of tests is reliable to detect spatial ability performance in healthy children, adolescents, and young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Morawietz
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Lee TL, Ding Z, Chan AS. Prefrontal hemodynamic features of older adults with preserved visuospatial working memory function. GeroScience 2023; 45:3513-3527. [PMID: 37501047 PMCID: PMC10643746 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00862-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Memory decline has been observed in the aging population and is a risk factor for the later development of dementia. Understanding how memory is preserved in older adults has been an important topic. The present study examines the hemodynamic features of older adults whose memory is comparable with that of young adults. In the present study, 45 younger and 45 older adults performed the visual memory task with various difficulty levels (i.e., the items to be remembered), and their cerebral hemodynamics at each level were measured by functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The results showed that older adults exhibited higher activation than younger adults under more difficult but not easier levels. In addition, older adults whose performance is comparable with that of young adults (i.e., being able to remember six items) showed more right-lateralized activation. However, those unable to do so showed more left-lateralized activation. The results suggested that high-performing older adults possess successful compensatory mechanisms by recruiting cognitive resources in a specialized brain region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsz-Lok Lee
- Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Zihan Ding
- Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Agnes S Chan
- Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
- Research Centre for Neuropsychological Well-Being, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
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Gilmour AM, MacDonald MJ, Cox A, Fairclough SJ, Tyler R. Investigating Ecological Momentary Assessed Physical Activity and Core Executive Functions in 18- to 24-Year-Old Undergraduate Students. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:6944. [PMID: 37887683 PMCID: PMC10606779 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20206944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Although evidence for young children (<10) and older adults (>64) highlights an association between physical activity (PA) and executive functions (EFs), there is a paucity of research on adolescents aged 18-24 years. Thus, this study examined the associations between PA and EF and the difference in EF between individuals who achieve the moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA) guidelines and those who do not. Forty-seven participants engaged in a Stroop task, a reverse Corsi-block test, and a task-switching test, to measure inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, respectively. An ecological momentary assessment (EMA) was used to determine the participant's MVPA and step count, through the "Pathverse" app. Multiple regressions were run to predict the task-switch cost, the Stroop effect, and the backward Corsi span from time spent in MVPA. A two-way ANCOVA examined the effects of achieving the MVPA guidelines on EF. MVPA and step count did not significantly predict EF. There were no significant differences in EF between participants achieving the MVPA guidelines and those that did not. Time spent in MVPA and step count were not significantly associated with working memory, cognitive flexibility, or inhibition in adolescents. Further research is warranted to understand other factors that may significantly affect EF, within and outside an individual's control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayva-Mae Gilmour
- Movement Behaviours, Health, and Wellbeing Research Group, Department of Sport and Physical Activity, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk L39 4QP, UK; (M.J.M.); (S.J.F.)
| | - Mhairi J. MacDonald
- Movement Behaviours, Health, and Wellbeing Research Group, Department of Sport and Physical Activity, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk L39 4QP, UK; (M.J.M.); (S.J.F.)
| | - Ashley Cox
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Stopford Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK;
| | - Stuart J. Fairclough
- Movement Behaviours, Health, and Wellbeing Research Group, Department of Sport and Physical Activity, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk L39 4QP, UK; (M.J.M.); (S.J.F.)
| | - Richard Tyler
- Movement Behaviours, Health, and Wellbeing Research Group, Department of Sport and Physical Activity, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk L39 4QP, UK; (M.J.M.); (S.J.F.)
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Maier A, Schopen L, Thiel JC, Müller K, Fimm B, Schulz JB. Cognitive functioning in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome among different body positions: a prospective pilot study (POTSKog study). Clin Auton Res 2023; 33:459-468. [PMID: 37261636 PMCID: PMC10439038 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-023-00950-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Approximately 96% of patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) report cognitive complaints. We investigated whether cognitive function is impaired during sitting and active standing in 30 patients with PoTS compared with 30 healthy controls (HCs) and whether it will improve with the counter manoeuvre of leg crossing. METHODS In this prospective pilot study, patients with PoTS were compared to HCs matched for age, sex, and educational level. Baseline data included norepinephrine plasma levels, autonomic testing and baseline cognitive function in a seated position [the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the Leistungsprüfsystem (LPS) subtests 1 and 2, and the Test of Attentional Performance (TAP)]. Cognitive functioning was examined in a randomized order in supine, upright and upright legs crossed position. The primary outcomes were the cognitive test scores between HCs and patients with PoTS at baseline testing, and among the different body positions. RESULTS Patients with PoTS had impaired attention (TAP median reaction time) in the seated position and impaired executive functioning (Stroop) while standing compared with HC. Stroop was influenced by position (supine versus upright versus upright legs crossed) only in the PoTS group. Leg crossing did not result in an improvement in executive function. In patients with PoTS, there was a negative correlation of Stroop with norepinephrine plasma levels while standing. CONCLUSION Compared with HCs, PoTS participants showed impaired cognitive attention and executive function in the upright position that did not improve in the legs crossed position. Data provide further evidence for orthostatic cognitive deterioration in patients with PoTS. TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03681080).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Maier
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Lena Schopen
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Joana C Thiel
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Katharina Müller
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Gynaecology, Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Bruno Fimm
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jörg B Schulz
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- JARA-BRAIN Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Jülich Research Center GmbH and RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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Lavigne KM, Sauvé G, Raucher-chéné D, Guimond S, Lecomte T, Bowie CR, Menon M, Lal S, Woodward TS, Bodnar MD, Lepage M. Remote cognitive assessment in severe mental illness: a scoping review. Schizophr 2022; 8:14. [PMID: 35249112 PMCID: PMC8897553 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-022-00219-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Many individuals living with severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia, present cognitive deficits and reasoning biases negatively impacting clinical and functional trajectories. Remote cognitive assessment presents many opportunities for advancing research and treatment but has yet to be widely used in psychiatric populations. We conducted a scoping review of remote cognitive assessment in severe mental illness to provide an overview of available measures and guide best practices. Overall, 34 studies (n = 20,813 clinical participants) were reviewed and remote measures, psychometrics, facilitators, barriers, and future directions were synthesized using a logic model. We identified 82 measures assessing cognition in severe mental illness across 11 cognitive domains and four device platforms. Remote measures were generally comparable to traditional versions, though psychometric properties were infrequently reported. Facilitators included standardized procedures and wider recruitment, whereas barriers included imprecise measure adaptations, technology inaccessibility, low patient engagement, and poor digital literacy. Our review identified several remote cognitive measures in psychiatry across all cognitive domains. However, there is a need for more rigorous validation of these measures and consideration of potentially influential factors, such as sex and gender. We provide recommendations for conducting remote cognitive assessment in psychiatry and fostering high-quality research using digital technologies.
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Zhang X, Huang Y, Xia Y, Yang X, Zhang Y, Wei C, Ying H, Liu Y. Vestibular dysfunction is an important contributor to the aging of visuospatial ability in older adults–Data from a computerized test system. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1049806. [PMID: 36468053 PMCID: PMC9714458 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1049806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundA convergence of research supports a key role of the vestibular system in visuospatial ability. However, visuospatial ability may decline with age. This work aims to elucidate the important contribution of vestibular function to visuospatial ability in old adults through a computerized test system.MethodsPatients with a clinical history of recurrent vertigo and at least failed one vestibular test were included in this cross-sectional study. Healthy controls of three age groups: older, middle-aged, and young adults were also involved. Visuospatial cognitive outcomes including spatial memory, spatial navigation, and mental rotation of all the groups were recorded. Comparing the performance of the visuospatial abilities between patients and age-matched controls as well as within the controls.ResultsA total of 158 individuals were enrolled. Results showed that patients performed worse than the age-matched controls, with the differences in the forward span (p < 0.001), the time of the maze 8 × 8 (p = 0.009), and the time of the maze 12 × 12 (p = 0.032) being significant. For the differences in visuospatial cognitive outcomes within the controls, the younger group had a significantly better performance than the other groups. The older group and the middle-aged group had comparable performances during all the tests.ConclusionsOlder patients with vestibular dysfunction had more difficulties during visuospatial tasks than age-matched controls, especially in spatial memory and spatial navigation. Within the controls, younger adults did much better than other age groups, while older adults behaved similarly to middle-aged adults. It is a valuable attempt to computerize the administration of tests for visuospatial ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuehao Zhang
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Huang
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuqi Xia
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaotong Yang
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanmei Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chaogang Wei
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hang Ying
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuhe Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Yuhe Liu
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Ramos AA, Garvey A, Cutfield NJ, Machado L. Forward and backward spatial recall in Parkinson's disease and matched controls: A 1-year follow-up study. Appl Neuropsychol Adult 2022:1-10. [PMID: 35412882 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2022.2059372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) exhibit a domain-general visuospatial dysfunction; however, no previous study has examined changes over time in forward and backward spatial recall in PD against controls. To evaluate changes in short-term (STM) and working memory (WM) dysfunction in PD, the current study assessed performance on a computer-modified version of the Corsi Block-Tapping Test (forward and backward recall) at two-time points 1 year apart, while simultaneously exploring associations with potentially relevant demographic and clinical variables. We enrolled 38 patients with PD and 38 controls matched for age, sex, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) total scores. Linear mixed-effects models analyzed the primary measured variables (forward and backward scores). At baseline, the dysfunction effect sizes were as follows: forward recall (-0.45, 95% CI [-0.90, 0.01]) and backward recall (-0.26, 95% CI [-0.71, 0.19]). At follow-up, patients exhibited substantially greater difficulties in backward recall (-0.65, 95% CI [-1.18, -0.13]) compared to the baseline assessment, whereas the forward dysfunction effect size remained almost the same (-0.43, 95% CI [-0.94, 0.09]). Age (p = .005, f = 0.35) and total scores on MoCA (p = .017, f = 0.18), irrespective of group and recall condition, were significant predictors of spatial block scores. The pattern of dysfunction effect sizes indicates that, in contrast to forward recall, backward recall dysfunction in PD worsened 1-year after the baseline assessment, presumably reflecting the progression of PD-related visuospatial WM dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ari Alex Ramos
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Anthony Garvey
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | | | - Liana Machado
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Wu M, Christiansen S, Fereczkowski M, Neher T. Revisiting Auditory Profiling: Can Cognitive Factors Improve the Prediction of Aided Speech-in-Noise Outcome? Trends Hear 2022; 26:23312165221113889. [PMID: 35942807 PMCID: PMC9373127 DOI: 10.1177/23312165221113889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hearing aids (HA) are the most common type of rehabilitation treatment for
age-related hearing loss. However, HA users often obtain limited benefit from
their devices, particularly in noisy environments, and thus many HA candidates
do not use them at all. A possible reason for this could be that current HA
fittings are audiogram-based, that is, they neglect supra-threshold factors. In
an earlier study, an auditory-profiling method was proposed as a basis for more
personalized HA fittings. This method classifies HA users into four profiles
that differ in terms of hearing sensitivity and supra-threshold hearing
abilities. Previously, HA users belonging to these profiles showed significant
differences in terms of speech recognition in noise but not subjective
assessments of speech-in-noise (SIN) outcome. Moreover, large individual
differences within some profiles were observed. The current study therefore
explored if cognitive factors can help explain these differences and improve
aided outcome prediction. Thirty-nine older HA users completed sets of auditory
and SIN tests as well as two tablet-based cognitive measures (the Corsi
block-tapping and trail-making tests). Principal component analyses were applied
to extract the dominant sources of variance both within individual tests
producing many variables and within the three types of tests. Multiple linear
regression analyses performed on the extracted components showed that auditory
factors were related to aided speech recognition in noise but not to subjective
SIN outcome. Cognitive factors were unrelated to aided SIN outcome. Overall,
these findings provide limited support for adding those two cognitive tests to
the profiling of HA users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengfan Wu
- Institute of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, 6174University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Research Unit for ORL - Head & Neck Surgery and Audiology, 11286Odense University Hospital & University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Stine Christiansen
- Institute of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, 6174University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Research Unit for ORL - Head & Neck Surgery and Audiology, 11286Odense University Hospital & University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Michal Fereczkowski
- Institute of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, 6174University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Research Unit for ORL - Head & Neck Surgery and Audiology, 11286Odense University Hospital & University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Tobias Neher
- Institute of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, 6174University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Research Unit for ORL - Head & Neck Surgery and Audiology, 11286Odense University Hospital & University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Swathi PS, Bhat R, Saoji AA. Effect of Trataka (Yogic Visual Concentration) on the Performance in the Corsi-Block Tapping Task: A Repeated Measures Study. Front Psychol 2021; 12:773049. [PMID: 34975664 PMCID: PMC8718544 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.773049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objective: Attention and memory are essential aspects of cognitive health. Yogasanas, pranayama, and meditation have shown to improve cognitive functions. There has been no assessment of Trataka (yogic visual concentration) on working or on spatial memory. The present study was planned to assess the immediate effects of Trataka and of eye exercise sessions on the Corsi-block tapping task (CBTT). Methods: A total of 41 healthy volunteers of both genders with age 23.21 ± 2.81 years were recruited. All participants underwent baseline assessment, followed by 2 weeks of training in Trataka (including eye exercise). Each training session lasted for 20 min/day for 6 days a week. After completion of the training period, a 1-week washout period was given. Each participant then was assessed in two sessions in Trataka and in eye exercise on two separate days, maintaining the same time of the day. Repeated measure analysis of variance with Holm's adjustment was performed to check the difference between the sessions. Results: Significant within-subjects effects were observed for forward Corsi span andforward total score (p < 0.001), and also for backward Corsi span (p < 0.05) and backward total score (p < 0.05). Post hoc analyses revealed Trataka session to be better than eye exercises and baseline. The eye exercise session did not show any significant changes in the CBTT. Conclusion: The result suggests that Trataka session improves working memory, spatial memory, and spatial attention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Apar Avinash Saoji
- Division of Yoga and Life Sciences, Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana, Bengaluru, India
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Abstract
Autistic people have difficulties recalling episodic memories, including retrieving fewer or less specific and detailed memories compared to typically developing people. However, the ability to effectively recall episodic memories is crucial in many real-world contexts, such as the criminal justice system, medical consultations, and employment interviews. Autistic people’s episodic memory difficulties are most apparent when open, unsupportive questions are used. The ‘Task Support Hypothesis’ posits that autistic people can recall as much information as typically developing people with more supportive questioning. Alongside problems retrieving episodic memories, autistic people also experience difficulties with executive functioning, theory of mind, and expressive language. The current study aimed to assess the impact of these abilities on recall in two previous studies by the authors that compared autistic and typically developing adults on recall specificity in police, healthcare, and employment interviews, and recall quality in employment interviews under unsupported and supported questioning. Under unsupported questioning only, autistic adults’ episodic autobiographical memory recall specificity was predicted by expressive language, whereas for the typically developing group, only theory of mind was a significant predictor. No other predictors were significant across the study. Implications for the task support hypothesis are discussed.
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Baliyan S, Cimadevilla JM, de Vidania S, Pulopulos MM, Sandi C, Venero C. Differential Susceptibility to the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Working Memory, Empathy, and Perceived Stress: The Role of Cortisol and Resilience. Brain Sci 2021; 11:348. [PMID: 33803413 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11030348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There are important individual differences in adaptation and reactivity to stressful challenges. Being subjected to strict social confinement is a distressful psychological experience leading to reduced emotional well-being, but it is not known how it can affect the cognitive and empathic tendencies of different individuals. Cortisol, a key glucocorticoid in humans, is a strong modulator of brain function, behavior, and cognition, and the diurnal cortisol rhythm has been postulated to interact with environmental stressors to predict stress adaptation. The present study investigates in 45 young adults (21.09 years old, SD = 6.42) whether pre-pandemic diurnal cortisol indices, overall diurnal cortisol secretion (AUCg) and cortisol awakening response (CAR) can predict individuals' differential susceptibility to the impact of strict social confinement during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on working memory, empathy, and perceived stress. We observed that, following long-term home confinement, there was an increase in subjects' perceived stress and cognitive empathy scores, as well as an improvement in visuospatial working memory. Moreover, during confinement, resilient coping moderated the relationship between perceived stress scores and pre-pandemic AUCg and CAR. In addition, in mediation models, we observed a direct effect of AUCg and an indirect effect of both CAR and AUCg, on change in perceived self-efficacy. These effects were parallelly mediated by the increase in working memory span and cognitive empathy. In summary, our findings reveal the role of the diurnal pattern of cortisol in predicting the emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting a potential biomarker for the identification of at-risk groups following public health crises.
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