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Litz E, Werner C, Bauer JM, Hauer K. Effects and Feasibility of a Memory Exergame Training in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Games Health J 2021; 10:383-390. [PMID: 34860129 DOI: 10.1089/g4h.2021.0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The aim of the study is to assess the feasibility, sustainability, and effectiveness of task-specific memory exergame training on motor-cognitive performance in older adults. Materials and Methods: Fifty older adults (age: 78.8 ± 7.0 years) participated in a randomized controlled trial with a 10-week intervention and 3-month follow-up period. Both the intervention group (IG: n = 29) and control group (CG: n = 21) underwent a once-weekly exercise program, including strength and balance exercises, while the IG performed an additional exergame training, combining dynamic balance with visuospatial memory tasks. Outcome measures were completion time for distinct levels of memory exergame tasks without (condition 1) and with procedural support (condition 2) and (sub)-total game scores documented by a game-specific assessment strategy. Results: Significant improvements in the IG compared with the CG over the intervention period were found for completion times in most of the analyzed levels of condition 1 (P < 0.001-0.047; ηp2 = 0.238-0.335) and one level of condition 2 (P < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.267), for the subtotal game score of condition 1 (P = 0.002; ηp2 = 0.186), and for the total game score (P = 0.005; ηp2 = 0.162). Improvements were partially sustained 3 months after training cessation (P = 0.008-0.039, ηp2 = 0.095-0.174). Completion rates for initial levels were 86%-98%. No clinical events or safety issues were observed during the training. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that additional memory exergame training effectively, and sustainably, improves performance in complex motor-cognitive tasks involving dynamic balance and visuospatial memory in older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Litz
- AGAPLESION Bethanien Hospital, Geriatric Centre of Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Werner
- AGAPLESION Bethanien Hospital, Geriatric Centre of Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.,Centre of Geriatric Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Juergen M Bauer
- AGAPLESION Bethanien Hospital, Geriatric Centre of Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.,Centre of Geriatric Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Klaus Hauer
- AGAPLESION Bethanien Hospital, Geriatric Centre of Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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2
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Spalding DM, MacAngus K, Moen MK, Nicholls LAB. Adult Aging Moderates the Relationship Between Trait Cognitive Anxiety and Subjective Everyday Cognitive Difficulties. Front Psychol 2021; 12:747839. [PMID: 34777140 PMCID: PMC8581743 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.747839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The present aim was to determine, across the adult lifespan, the extent to which different dimensions of trait anxiety might affect subjective cognitive difficulties in everyday life. Following Attentional Control Theory (ACT; Eysenck et al., 2007), we predicted that trait anxiety would have a greater effect on attention and verbal abilities than on visual abilities. We also expected trait cognitive anxiety to exhibit more robust relationships with cognition than trait somatic anxiety. Importantly, we predicted that effects of anxiety would be greater in older adults, in line with the Strength and Vulnerability Integration model (SAVI; Charles, 2010). The sample comprised 286 United Kingdom-based adults aged 18–93 years. Participants completed self-report measures of trait cognitive and somatic anxiety (the State-Trait Inventory for Cognitive and Somatic Anxiety; STICSA, Ree et al., 2008) and everyday cognitive difficulties (the Multiple Abilities Self-Report Questionnaire; MASQ, Seidenberg et al., 1994). Moderated regression models were constructed, including trait cognitive or somatic anxiety as a predictor of cognitive difficulties, and age as the moderator variable. Covariates included depression, stress (the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales—short form; DASS-21, Lovibond and Lovibond, 1995), gender, current mental health treatment status, and physical health status. When cognitive anxiety was the predictor variable, somatic anxiety was also included as a covariate, and vice-versa. Trait cognitive anxiety and age interacted to predict all MASQ subscales other than visual-perceptual ability. Difficulties with attention, verbal memory, and language abilities were significantly greater at higher levels of anxiety for all age groups, with the effect greatest in older adults. Difficulties with visual-spatial memory were significantly greater at higher levels of anxiety in middle-aged and older adults only. Higher trait somatic anxiety predicted difficulties with verbal memory and language ability independently of age, and interacted with age to predict language difficulties. Interestingly, age also significantly predicted less subjective difficulty with attention, independently of anxiety level. The results show that trait cognitive and somatic anxiety are both related to subjective, everyday cognitive difficulties. However, effects of trait cognitive anxiety are more robust across cognitive domains and tend to increase, or first appear, over the course of the adult lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Spalding
- School of Psychological Sciences and Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Kerry MacAngus
- School of Psychological Sciences and Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Martine K Moen
- School of Psychological Sciences and Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Louise A Brown Nicholls
- School of Psychological Sciences and Health, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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3
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Poptsi E, Moraitou D, Tsardoulias E, Symeonidisd AL, Tsolaki M. Is the Discrimination of Subjective Cognitive Decline from Cognitively Healthy Adulthood and Mild Cognitive Impairment Possible? A Pilot Study Utilizing the R4Alz Battery. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 77:715-732. [PMID: 32741834 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The early diagnosis of neurocognitive disorders before the symptoms' onset is the ultimate goal of the scientific community. REMEDES for Alzheimer (R4Alz) is a battery, designed for assessing cognitive control abilities in people with minor and major neurocognitive disorders. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether the R4Alz battery's tasks differentiate subjective cognitive decline (SCD) from cognitively healthy adults (CHA) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS The R4Alz battery was administered to 175 Greek adults, categorized in five groups a) healthy young adults (HYA; n = 42), b) healthy middle-aged adults (HMaA; n = 33), c) healthy older adults (HOA; n = 14), d) community-dwelling older adults with SCD (n = 34), and e) people with MCI (n = 52). RESULTS Between the seven R4Alz subtasks, four showcased the best results for differentiating HOA from SCD: the working memory updating (WMCUT-S3), the inhibition and switching subtask (ICT/RST-S1&S2), the failure sets (FS) of the ICT/RST-S1&S2, and the cognitive flexibility subtask (ICT/RST-S3). The total score of the four R4Alz subtasks (R4AlzTot4) leads to an excellent discrimination among SCD and healthy adulthood, and to fare discrimination among SCD and MCI. CONCLUSION The R4Alz battery is a novel approach regarding the neuropsychological assessment of people with SCD, since it can very well assist toward discriminating SCD from HOA. The R4Alz is able to measure decline of specific cognitive control abilities - namely of working memory updating, and complex executive functions - which seem to be the neuropsychological substrate of cognitive complaints in community dwelling adults of advancing age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Poptsi
- Laboratory of Psychology, Section of Cognitive and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, School of Psychology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), Macedonia, Hellas.,Lab of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (LND, CIRI - AUTh) Macedonia, Hellas.,Greek Association of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (GAADRD), Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Hellas
| | - Despina Moraitou
- Laboratory of Psychology, Section of Cognitive and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, School of Psychology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), Macedonia, Hellas.,Lab of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (LND, CIRI - AUTh) Macedonia, Hellas.,Greek Association of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (GAADRD), Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Hellas
| | - Emmanouil Tsardoulias
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), Macedonia, Hellas
| | - Andreas L Symeonidisd
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), Macedonia, Hellas
| | - Magda Tsolaki
- Lab of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (LND, CIRI - AUTh) Macedonia, Hellas.,Greek Association of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (GAADRD), Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Hellas.,1st Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), Macedonia, Hellas
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4
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How do we measure attention? Using factor analysis to establish construct validity of neuropsychological tests. COGNITIVE RESEARCH-PRINCIPLES AND IMPLICATIONS 2021; 6:51. [PMID: 34292418 PMCID: PMC8298746 DOI: 10.1186/s41235-021-00313-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
We investigated whether standardized neuropsychological tests and experimental cognitive paradigms measure the same cognitive faculties. Specifically, do neuropsychological tests commonly used to assess attention measure the same construct as attention paradigms used in cognitive psychology and neuroscience? We built on the “general attention factor”, comprising several widely used experimental paradigms (Huang et al., 2012). Participants (n = 636) completed an on-line battery (TestMyBrain.org) of six experimental tests [Multiple Object Tracking, Flanker Interference, Visual Working Memory, Approximate Number Sense, Spatial Configuration Visual Search, and Gradual Onset Continuous Performance Task (Grad CPT)] and eight neuropsychological tests [Trail Making Test versions A & B (TMT-A, TMT-B), Digit Symbol Coding, Forward and Backward Digit Span, Letter Cancellation, Spatial Span, and Arithmetic]. Exploratory factor analysis in a subset of 357 participants identified a five-factor structure: (1) attentional capacity (Multiple Object Tracking, Visual Working Memory, Digit Symbol Coding, Spatial Span), (2) search (Visual Search, TMT-A, TMT-B, Letter Cancellation); (3) Digit Span; (4) Arithmetic; and (5) Sustained Attention (GradCPT). Confirmatory analysis in 279 held-out participants showed that this model fit better than competing models. A hierarchical model where a general cognitive factor was imposed above the five specific factors fit as well as the model without the general factor. We conclude that Digit Span and Arithmetic tests should not be classified as attention tests. Digit Symbol Coding and Spatial Span tap attentional capacity, while TMT-A, TMT-B, and Letter Cancellation tap search (or attention-shifting) ability. These five tests can be classified as attention tests.
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5
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Raimo S, Di Vita A, Boccia M, Iona T, Cropano M, Gaita M, Guariglia C, Grossi D, Palermo L. The Body across the Lifespan: On the Relation between Interoceptive Sensibility and High-Order Body Representations. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11040493. [PMID: 33924634 PMCID: PMC8070580 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11040493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Interoceptive information plays a pivotal role in building higher-order cognitive body representations (BR) that neuropsychological and neuroimaging evidence classifies as action-oriented (i.e., body schema) or non-action-oriented (i.e., visuo-spatial body map). This study aimed to explore the development of BR, considering the association with the interoceptive sensibility throughout the lifespan. Methods: Two hundred thirty-nine healthy participants divided into five age groups (7 to 8 years; 9 to 10 years; 18 to 40 years; 41 to 60 years; over 60 years) completed a self-report measure of interoceptive sensibility (the Self-Awareness Questionnaire; SAQ) and were given tasks assessing the two BR (action-oriented: hand laterality task; non-action-oriented: frontal body evocation task). Results: Both children (7–8 and 9–10 years) and older adults (over 60 years) performed worse than young (18–40 years) and middle-aged adults (41–60 years) in action- and non-action-oriented BR tasks. Moderation analyses showed that the SAQ score significantly moderated the relationship between age and action-oriented BR. Conclusions: The current results are consistent with inverted U-shaped developmental curves for action- and non-action-oriented BR. As an innovative aspect, the ability to mentally represent one’s own body parts in diverse states could be negatively affected by higher interoceptive sensibility levels in childhood and late adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Raimo
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (M.C.); (D.G.)
- Correspondence: (S.R.); (L.P.); Tel.: +39-0961-3694362 (L.P.)
| | - Antonella Di Vita
- Department of Human Neuroscience, ‘Sapienza’ University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Maddalena Boccia
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (C.G.)
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Teresa Iona
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University ‘Magna Graecia’ of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Maria Cropano
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (M.C.); (D.G.)
| | - Mariachiara Gaita
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University ‘Magna Graecia’ of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Cecilia Guariglia
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (C.G.)
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Dario Grossi
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania ‘Luigi Vanvitelli’, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (M.C.); (D.G.)
| | - Liana Palermo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University ‘Magna Graecia’ of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
- Correspondence: (S.R.); (L.P.); Tel.: +39-0961-3694362 (L.P.)
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6
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Studer B, Timm A, Sahakian BJ, Kalenscher T, Knecht S. A decision-neuroscientific intervention to improve cognitive recovery after stroke. Brain 2021; 144:1764-1773. [PMID: 33742664 PMCID: PMC8320292 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional recovery after stroke is dose-dependent on the amount of rehabilitative training. However, rehabilitative training is subject to motivational hurdles. Decision neuroscience formalizes drivers and dampers of behaviour and provides strategies for tipping motivational trade-offs and behaviour change. Here, we used one such strategy, upfront voluntary choice restriction (‘precommitment’), and tested if it can increase the amount of self-directed rehabilitative training in severely impaired stroke patients. In this randomized controlled study, stroke patients with working memory deficits (n = 83) were prescribed daily self-directed gamified cognitive training as an add-on to standard therapy during post-acute inpatient neurorehabilitation. Patients allocated to the precommitment intervention could choose to restrict competing options to self-directed training, specifically the possibility to meet visitors. This upfront choice restriction was opted for by all patients in the intervention group and highly effective. Patients in the precommitment group performed the prescribed self-directed gamified cognitive training twice as often as control group patients who were not offered precommitment [on 50% versus 21% of days, Pcorr = 0.004, d = 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI95%) = 0.31 to 1.42], and, as a consequence, reached a 3-fold higher total training dose (90.21 versus 33.60 min, Pcorr = 0.004, d = 0.83, CI95% = 0.27 to 1.38). Moreover, add-on self-directed cognitive training was associated with stronger improvements in visuospatial and verbal working memory performance (Pcorr = 0.002, d = 0.72 and Pcorr = 0.036, d = 0.62). Our neuroscientific decision add-on intervention strongly increased the amount of effective cognitive training performed by severely impaired stroke patients. These results warrant a full clinical trial to link decision-based neuroscientific interventions directly with clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Studer
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Mauritius Hospital Meerbusch, Meerbusch, Germany
| | - Alicja Timm
- Department of Neurology, Mauritius Hospital Meerbusch, Meerbusch, Germany
| | | | - Tobias Kalenscher
- Comparative Psychology, Institute of Experimental Psychology, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Stefan Knecht
- Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Mauritius Hospital Meerbusch, Meerbusch, Germany
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7
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Hilton C, Johnson A, Slattery TJ, Miellet S, Wiener JM. The impact of cognitive aging on route learning rate and the acquisition of landmark knowledge. Cognition 2020; 207:104524. [PMID: 33310449 DOI: 10.1016/j.cognition.2020.104524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Aging is accompanied by changes in general cognitive functioning which may impact the learning rate of older adults; however, this is often not controlled for in cognitive aging studies. We investigated the contribution of differences in learning rates to age-related differences in landmark knowledge acquired from route learning. In Experiment 1 we used a standard learning procedure in which participants received a fixed amount of exposure to a route. Consistent with previous research, we found age-related deficits in associative cue and landmark sequence knowledge. Experiment 2 controlled for differences in learning rates by using a flexible exposure learning procedure. Specifically, participants were trained to a performance criterion during route learning before being tested on the content of their route knowledge. While older adults took longer to learn the route than younger adults, the age-related differences in associative cue knowledge were abolished. The deficit in landmark sequence knowledge, however, remained. Experiment 3 replicated these results and introduced a test situation in which a deficit in landmark sequence knowledge yielded an increased likelihood of disorientation in older adults. The findings of this study suggest that age-related deficits in landmark associative cue knowledge are attenuated by controlling for learning rates. In contrast, landmark sequence knowledge deficits persist and are best explained by changes in the learning strategy of older adults to acquire task essential associative cue knowledge at the expense of supplementary sequence knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Hilton
- Psychology Department, Ageing and Dementia Research Centre, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK; Biological Psychology and Neuroergonomics, Technische Universität Berlin, Germany.
| | - Andrew Johnson
- Psychology Department, Ageing and Dementia Research Centre, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK
| | - Timothy J Slattery
- Psychology Department, Ageing and Dementia Research Centre, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK
| | - Sebastien Miellet
- Active Vision lab, School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Jan M Wiener
- Psychology Department, Ageing and Dementia Research Centre, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK
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8
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Carbone E, Meneghetti C, Mammarella IC, Borella E. Using the Walking Corsi test to explain age-related differences between young and older adults' rotation performance. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2020; 31:1028-1047. [PMID: 32419608 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2020.1760110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
This study newly assessed visuo-spatial working memory (VSWM) in young and older adults with an extended version of the backward Corsi Blocks Task (CBT): the backward Walking Corsi Test (WalCT). It involves recalling sequences of spatial locations while moving in an indoor space (2.5 × 3m) in which the CBT layout is recreated on the floor. The specific contribution of the backward WalCT (beyond that of the backward CBT) to explaining age-related effects on spatial rotation abilities was explored. Seventy young adults and 56 older adults performed the backward WalCT, classic VSWM tasks, self-assessments on pleasure in exploring and spatial anxiety, and mental rotation and perspective-taking tasks. Mediation models for the mental rotation and perspective-taking measures showed a direct age-related effect on both the backward WalCT and backward CBT, and an indirect one on the two spatial rotation abilities, mediated by the backward WalCT and - partly - the backward CBT. In particular, age-related effects on mental rotation were explained by the backward WalCT, while those on perspective-taking were explained by both the backward WalCT and backward CBT. The backward WalCT can be considered a measure suitable for assessing VSWM in older adults, which also explains age-related effects on mental rotation and perspective-taking performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Carbone
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Chiara Meneghetti
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Erika Borella
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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9
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Pandya SP. Older Adults Who Meditate Regularly Perform Better on Neuropsychological Functioning and Visual Working Memory Tests: A Three-month Waitlist Control Design Study with a Cohort of Seniors in Assisted Living Facilities. Exp Aging Res 2020; 46:214-235. [PMID: 32249696 DOI: 10.1080/0361073x.2020.1743951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: Neuropsychological functioning and visual working memory are vulnerable to age-related decline. This investigation examines the impact of meditation on the said outcomes for older adults in assisted living facilities. Older adults (N = 136) from four assisted living facilities in Mumbai and Pretoria were randomized into intervention and waitlist control groups.Method: The Repeatable Battery for Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) was used as a screening instrument for recruitment (cutoff total index score = 86 ± 4). RBANS, the Simple Object Span Test (SOST), and the Picture Span Test (PST) were used to assess the outcomes. The intervention group underwent a 90-day meditation training complemented with self-practice.Results: Posttest scores of the intervention group were higher. Older adult men, with college degree, middle class, widowed, in fair health, with no diagnosed psychiatric conditions, who attended at least 70 (out of 90) meditation lessons and who self-practiced at least 70 times, gained more from the meditation intervention. Intervention compliance had the strongest effect on posttest outcomes as well as sex and psychiatric morbidities.Conclusion: Meditation intervention needs some refinements for older adult women, with high school education, upper class, currently married, in poor health, with diagnosed anxiety/depression/drug dependence, who attended fewer meditation lessons and self-practiced infrequently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samta P Pandya
- School of Social Work, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Deonar, Mumbai, India
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10
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Rodrigues PFS, Pandeirada JNS. The influence of the visual surrounding environment in older adults and young adults’ cognitive performance: an alternative paradigm. JOURNAL OF COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/20445911.2020.1749642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro F. S. Rodrigues
- CINTESIS, Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- IBILI, Faculty of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Josefa N. S. Pandeirada
- CINTESIS, Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- William James Center for Research, Department of Education and Psychology, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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11
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Zarantonello L, Schiff S, Amodio P, Bisiacchi P. The effect of age, educational level, gender and cognitive reserve on visuospatial working memory performance across adult life span. AGING NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITION 2019; 27:302-319. [PMID: 31046560 DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2019.1608900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Working memory (WM) is a limited capacity cognitive system that temporarily holds information for processing. In the present study, we tested the effect of age, gender and cognitive reserve in terms of educational level, working and leisure time activities on an active visuospatial WM task. One-hundred thirty-four participants between 20 and 80 years old performed an n-back task with different degree of WM demanding. Reaction times (RTs) became slower and accuracy decreased with age; the former started to decline in participants that were 35 years old, the latter in participants that were 57 years old. Males were faster than females. Educational level (10 years in accuracy and 15 years in RTs) showed a positive effect on accuracy and RTs. Cognitive reserve had a positive effect on accuracy but no effect on RTs. In conclusion, age-related decline influenced earlier the speed and later the accuracy in a task that required active processes. While male was faster independently of WM demanding and age, middle school degree and an average cognitive reserve prevent errors during performance. Coherently, high school degree prevents slowing down but only in low demanding condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sami Schiff
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Piero Amodio
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Patrizia Bisiacchi
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Padua Neuroscience Center, Padova, Italy
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12
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Nicholls LAB, English B. Multimodal coding and strategic approach in young and older adults’ visual working memory performance. AGING NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITION 2019; 27:83-113. [DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2019.1585515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Brad English
- Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Clinical Psychology Department, Fern House, Highbury Hospital, Nottingham, UK
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13
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Wang Z, Jing J, Igarashi K, Fan L, Yang S, Li Y, Jin Y. Executive function predicts the visuospatial working memory in autism spectrum disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Autism Res 2018; 11:1148-1156. [PMID: 30095242 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and those with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) always show working memory deficits. However, research findings on the factors that affected the working memory in ASD and ADHD were inconsistent. Thus, we developed the present study to investigate the association of executive function (EF) with the visuospatial working memory (VSWM) in ASD and ADHD. Three groups of participants were examined: 21 children with ASD, 28 children with ADHD and 28 typically developing (TD) children as the controls. All participants completed two tests: the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and the Corsi Block Tapping Test for measuring EF and VSWM, respectively. The WCST included four domains: categories achieved (CA), perseverative errors (PE), failures to maintain set (FMS), and total errors (TE). The findings indicated that (1) the ASD group showed poorer performance in VSWM than the ADHD and TD groups; (2) for the ASD group, VSWM was positively correlated with CA, and was negatively correlated with PE and TE; (3) for the ADHD group, FMS showed a negative relationship with VSWM; and (4) TE predicted the performance of VSWM in ASD group, while FMS predicted VSWM in ADHD group. The study results suggested that VSWM was impaired in ASD but not in ADHD. Also, the EF domains were differently correlated with the VSWM performance in ASD and ADHD. Our study suggests that we should consider different intervention targets of working memory and EF contributions in improving the cognitive capacity of ASD and ADHD. Autism Res 2018, 11: 1148-1156. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: The present study compared the visuospatial working memory (VSWM) in three groups of children: autism (ASD), attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and typically developed children (TD). The ASD group showed poorer VSWM than the ADHD and TD groups. The total error of executive function predicted the performance of VSWM in ASD, while failures to maintain set predicted VSWM in ADHD . These findings suggested that we should consider the different working memory and executive function training targets to increase cognitive capacity of ASD and ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengjian Wang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jin Jing
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Kazue Igarashi
- Clinical Center for Developmental Disorders, Shirayuri College, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Lijun Fan
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Siyuan Yang
- Guangzhou Children's Hospital, Guangzhou, 510120 , China
| | - YongMei Li
- Child Developmental and Behavioral Center, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yu Jin
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
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14
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Huotarinen A, Niemelä M, Hafez A. The impact of neurosurgical procedure on cognitive resources: Results of bypass training. Surg Neurol Int 2018; 9:71. [PMID: 29721350 PMCID: PMC5909093 DOI: 10.4103/sni.sni_427_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Neurosurgeons are exposed to unavoidable distractions in their natural operating environment. Distractions can affect both the surgeon's concentration and the safety and duration of the surgery. Such distraction can be studied by applying a simultaneous cognitive task during a surgical procedure. Methods: We used a previously described cognitive task: a forward (DF) and backward digit (DB) repetition task to interfere with the surgeon's attention during a training bypass. A pilot study was performed to find suitable digit repetition lengths. For the main experiment, we used four-digit strings. The test task was alternated across two consecutive sutures (n = 153, 8 bypasses), followed by two consecutive control sutures without digit repetition. The duration and the number of correct answers for the digit repetition task were compared to a baseline digit repetition without simultaneous surgery. Results: During the bypass surgery, digit repetitions (especially DB) became slower (P < 0.0001). More errors were made during DB compared to DF only during simultaneous bypass (P < 0.0001). However, we found no effect of digit repetition tasks on individual suture times (P = 0.823). Conclusions: The ability to engage in simultaneous tasks while performing surgery is diminished. A surgeon with extensive training can withstand external distraction without an effect on performance; however, this is achieved by partially ignoring the simultaneous task. Our data support that during surgery other cognitive tasks should be avoided to ensure safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antti Huotarinen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mika Niemelä
- Department of Neurosurgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ahmad Hafez
- Department of Neurosurgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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15
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Moore TL, Bowley B, Shultz P, Calderazzo S, Shobin E, Killiany RJ, Rosene DL, Moss MB. Chronic curcumin treatment improves spatial working memory but not recognition memory in middle-aged rhesus monkeys. GeroScience 2017; 39:571-584. [PMID: 29047012 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-017-9998-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies of both humans and non-human primates have demonstrated that aging is typically characterized by a decline in cognition that can occur as early as the fifth decade of life. Age-related changes in working memory are particularly evident and mediated, in part, by the prefrontal cortex, an area known to evidence age-related changes in myelin that is attributed to inflammation. In recent years, several nutraceuticals, including curcumin, by virtue of their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, have received considerable attention as potential treatments for age-related cognitive decline and inflammation. Accordingly, we assessed for the first time in a non-human primate model of normal aging the efficacy of dietary intervention using the natural phenol curcumin to ameliorate the effects of aging on spatial working and recognition memory. Results revealed that monkeys receiving daily administration of curcumin over 14-18 months demonstrated a greater improvement in performance on repeated administration of a task of spatial working memory compared to monkeys that received a control substance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara L Moore
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E. Concord Street, L-1004, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, 725 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
| | - Bethany Bowley
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E. Concord Street, L-1004, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Penny Shultz
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E. Concord Street, L-1004, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Samantha Calderazzo
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E. Concord Street, L-1004, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Eli Shobin
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E. Concord Street, L-1004, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E. Concord Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Ronald J Killiany
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E. Concord Street, L-1004, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, 725 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Douglas L Rosene
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E. Concord Street, L-1004, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Mark B Moss
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E. Concord Street, L-1004, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, 725 Albany Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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