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Ortiz KZ, De Lira JO, Minett TSC, Bertolucci PHF. Language impairments in Alzheimer´s disease: What changes can be found between mild and moderate stages of the disease? Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2024; 79:100412. [PMID: 38901132 PMCID: PMC11245904 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinsp.2024.100412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate how language deteriorates over the Alzheimer's Disease course. METHODS A cross-sectional, observational study was carried out. 35 patients diagnosed with dementia due to AD using the NINCDS-ARDRA criteria and undergoing treatment for AD with a therapeutic dose of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors were assessed by the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination (BDAE). The sample comprised 15 patients with mild AD (MMSE > 23, CDR = 0 or 0.5‒1.0) and 20 patients with moderate AD (MMSE = 13‒23, CDR = 2). The results for the 2 groups on all language tasks were compared. RESULTS A statistically significant difference was found between the mild and moderate AD groups for total score on the BDAE (95% CI 47.10‒114.08, t = 5.0, DF = 21, p = 0.000*), as well as on several tasks involving oral and writing comprehension, language oral expression and writing. CONCLUSION The study results showed major changes in the moderate stage. Also, the decline in language performance correlated with the worsening of dementia syndrome, independently of sociodemographic variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Zazo Ortiz
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Gilardone G, Longo C, Papagno C. The Role of Working Memory and Short-Term Memory in Sentence Comprehension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis in Probable Alzheimer's Disease. Neuropsychol Rev 2024; 34:530-547. [PMID: 37266838 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-023-09595-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The role of either short-term memory (STM) or working memory (WM) in sentence comprehension is a matter of debate. Although it is commonly accepted that memory resources are necessary for sentence comprehension, there is no agreement regarding the nature of their role. The aim of this review is to investigate and synthesize assessment tools and correlation data between STM or WM and sentence comprehension in probable Alzheimer's disease (AD). To this aim, a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycInfo, and LLBA databases were searched. Two independent authors selected peer-reviewed articles published in English and focused on the relationship between STM or WM and sentence comprehension in probable AD. A total of 11 case-control studies were included at the end of the selection process. Most studies adopted offline tasks to evaluate sentence comprehension, while a small number of authors applied online experimental tasks. The digit span forward and backward were the most employed standardized tests to evaluate phonological STM and WM, respectively. The meta-analysis results supported the association between performance on STM and WM and comprehension tasks. However, moderate heterogeneity was found, mainly due to the small number of included studies, especially for STM, and the substantial variability of the adopted tasks. Therefore, in order to clarify the specific source of language comprehension deficits, new and sophisticated experiments should be conducted using adequate material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Gilardone
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa di Cura Igea, Via Dezza 48, 20144, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
| | - Chiara Longo
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Department of Neurology, Santa Chiara Hospital, Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari (APSS), Trento, Italy
| | - Costanza Papagno
- CIMeC (Center for Mind/Brain Sciences), University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
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Varlokosta S, Fragkopoulou K, Arfani D, Manouilidou C. Methodologies for assessing morphosyntactic ability in people with Alzheimer's disease. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2024; 59:38-57. [PMID: 36840629 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The detection and description of language impairments in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's Disease (AD) play an important role in research, clinical diagnosis and intervention. Various methodological protocols have been implemented for the assessment of morphosyntactic abilities in AD; narrative discourse elicitation tasks and structured experimental tasks for production, offline and online structured experimental tasks for comprehension. Very few studies implement and compare different methodological protocols; thus, little is known about the advantages and disadvantages of each methodology. AIMS To discuss and compare the main behavioral methodological approaches and tasks that have been used in psycholinguistic research to assess different aspects of morphosyntactic production and comprehension in individuals with AD at the word and sentence levels. METHODS A narrative review was conducted through searches in the scientific databases Google Scholar, Scopus, Science Direct, MITCogNet, PubMed. Only studies written in English, that reported quantitative data and were published in peer-reviewed journals were considered with respect to their methodological protocol. Moreover, we considered studies that reported research on all stages of the disease and we included only studies that also reported results of a healthy control group. Studies that implemented standardized assessment tools were not considered in this review. OUTCOMES & RESULTS The main narrative discourse elicitation tasks implemented for the assessment of morphosyntactic production include interviews, picture-description and story narration, whereas the main structured experimental tasks include sentence completion, constrained sentence production, sentence repetition and naming. Morphosyntactic comprehension in AD has been assessed with the use of structured experimental tasks, both offline (sentence-picture matching, grammaticality judgment) and online (cross-modal naming,speeded sentence acceptability judgment, auditory moving window, word detection, reading). For each task we considered studies that reported results from different morphosyntactic structures and phenomena in as many different languages as possible. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS Our review revealed strengths and weaknesses of these methods but also directions for future research. Narrative discourse elicitation tasks as well as structured experimental tasks have been used in a variety of languages, and have uncovered preserved morphosyntactic production but also deficits in people with AD. A combination of narrative discourse elicitation and structured production tasks for the assessment of the same morphosyntactic structure has been rarely used. Regarding comprehension, offline tasks have been implemented in various languages, whereas online tasks have been mainly used in English. Offline and online experimental paradigms have often produced contradictory results even within the same study. The discrepancy between the two paradigms has been attributed to the different working memory demands they impose to the comprehender or to the different parsing processes they tap. Strengths and shortcomings of each methodology are summarized in the paper, and comparisons between different tasks are attempted when this is possible. Thus, the paper may serve as a methodological guide for the study of morphosyntax in AD and possibly in other neurodegenerative diseases. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS What is already known on this subject For the assessment of morphosyntactic abilities in AD, various methodological paradigms have been implemented: narrative discourse elicitation tasks and structured experimental tasks for production, and offline and online structured experimental tasks for comprehension. Very few studies implement and compare different methodological protocols; thus, little is known about the advantages and disadvantages of each methodology. What this paper adds to existing knowledge The paper presents an overview of methodologies that have been used to assess morphosyntactic production and comprehension of people with AD at the word and sentence levels. The paper summarizes the strengths and shortcomings of each methodology, providing both the researcher and the clinician with some directions in their endeavour of investigating language in AD. Also, the paper highlights the need for further research that will implement carefully scrutinized tasks from various experimental paradigms and will explore distinct aspects of the AD patients' morphosyntactic abilities in typologically different languages. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? The paper may serve as a reference point for (psycho-)linguists who wish to study morphosyntactic abilities in AD, and for speech and language therapists who might need to apply morphosyntactic protocols to their patients in order to assess them or design appropriate therapeutic interventions for production and comprehension deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spyridoula Varlokosta
- Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Philology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Fragkopoulou
- Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Philology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitra Arfani
- Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Philology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Manouilidou
- Department of Comparative and General Linguistics, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Leib SI, Miller SA, Chin E. Latent structure of working memory and emotion regulation in pediatric ADHD. Child Neuropsychol 2023; 29:644-665. [PMID: 35975287 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2022.2107626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Working memory is a key cognitive function that is often implicated in ADHD and may represent an underlying cognitive endophenotype of the disorder. Working memory is related to emotion regulation, which is a common area of impairment in children with ADHD. Given the high rate of comorbid diagnoses with ADHD, children with comorbid internalizing, externalizing, and developmental disorders may present with variable working memory profiles and subsequent emotion regulation deficits. This study aimed to adequately characterize the latent structure of working memory impairments and emotional regulation outcomes in a clinical sample of children ages 6-16 with ADHD. This study also examined the interplay between the identified working memory/emotion regulation patterns, demographic characteristics, and the role of comorbid diagnoses. Results highlighted two distinct, invariant, unrestricted classes of working memory/emotion regulation. Class 1 (Average; 62% of the sample) had significantly lower digit-span scores, and generally persevered emotion regulation functioning per parent/teacher report. Class 2 (Emotionally Dysregulated) had average working memory scores, and elevated emotion regulation problems. The working memory indicators had small correlations with parents (and not teacher) measures of emotion regulation. Finally, latent class membership did not differ by comorbid diagnosis, age, gender, or verbal IQ. Findings elucidate heterogeneity in common domains affected by ADHD and suggest that this heterogeneity may not be due to demographic/comorbidity factors. The role of varying information reports is discussed, and potential assessment and treatment implications are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie I Leib
- Department of Psychology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, USA
| | - Steven A Miller
- Department of Psychology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, USA
| | - Esther Chin
- Ascension Alexian Brothers Neurosciences Institute, IL, USA
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López-Higes R, Rubio-Valdehita S, Delgado-Losada ML, López-Sanz D. Influence of cognitive reserve on neuropsychological performance in subjective cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment older adults. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04534-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
AbstractThe analysis of the relationships between cognitive reserve and different cognitive domains has become a matter of interest since it can help us detect deviations from the typical ageing process. The main objective of our study was to analyse a structural equation model representing cognitive reserve’s relationships with three cognitive domains (episodic memory, working memory, and sentence comprehension) in older adults with subjective cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment patients, in a cross-sectional study. A total of 266 Spanish-speaking older adults, from 65 to 80 years old, voluntarily participated in the study. The assessment protocol includes questionnaires as well as screening and domain-specific tests, providing relevant information for the classification of participants in the two groups previously mentioned (n1 = 150 and n2 = 116). The proposed model presented metric and configural invariance as well as stability across groups, since the indices reflecting goodness-of-fit reach acceptable values. Our hypotheses are partially confirmed since cognitive reserve strongly influences working memory and it does moderately in sentence comprehension in both groups, but it hardly influences episodic memory in the subjective cognitive decline group, while both are inversely associated in the patients’ group. Working memory could be considered as a mechanism through which cognitive reserve exerts its protector role on other cognitive domains: on sentence comprehension in both groups, and on episodic memory in the subjective cognitive decline group. However, in mild cognitive impairments patients, cognitive reserve does no longer influence episodic memory via working memory in a significant manner.
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Martín-Aragoneses MT, Mejuto G, del Río D, Fernandes SM, Rodrigues PFS, López-Higes R. Task Demands and Sentence Reading Comprehension among Healthy Older Adults: The Complementary Roles of Cognitive Reserve and Working Memory. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13030428. [PMID: 36979238 PMCID: PMC10046703 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13030428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ageing entails different functional brain changes. Education, reading experience, and leisure activities, among others, might contribute to the maintenance of cognitive performance among older adults and are conceptualised as proxies for cognitive reserve. However, ageing also conveys a depletion of working memory capacity, which adversely impacts language comprehension. This study investigated how cognitive reserve proxies and working memory jointly predict the performance of healthy older adults in a sentence reading comprehension task, and how their predictive value changes depending on sentence structure and task demands. Cognitively healthy older adults (n = 120) completed a sentence–picture verification task under two conditions: concurrent viewing of the sentence and picture or their sequential presentation, thereby imposing greater demands on working memory. They also completed a questionnaire on cognitive reserve proxies as well as a verbal working memory test. The sentence structure was manipulated by altering the canonical word order and modifying the amount of propositional information. While the cognitive reserve was the main predictor in the concurrent condition, the predictive role of working memory increased under the sequential presentation, particularly for complex sentences. These findings highlight the complementary roles played by cognitive reserve and working memory in the reading comprehension of older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Teresa Martín-Aragoneses
- Department of Research Methods and Diagnosis in Education II, National University of Distance Education (UNED), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Mejuto
- Vianorte-Laguna Foundation (FVN-Laguna), 28047 Madrid, Spain
| | - David del Río
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), 28223 Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), 28223 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (D.d.R.); (P.F.S.R.)
| | - Sara Margarida Fernandes
- Portucalense Institute for Human Development (INPP), Portucalense University (UPT), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro F. S. Rodrigues
- Portucalense Institute for Human Development (INPP), Portucalense University (UPT), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: (D.d.R.); (P.F.S.R.)
| | - Ramón López-Higes
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), 28223 Madrid, Spain
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Nasiri M, Moayedfar S, Purmohammad M, Ghasisin L. Investigating sentence processing and working memory in patients with mild Alzheimer and elderly people. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266552. [PMID: 36318545 PMCID: PMC9624401 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Linguistic disorders are one of the common problems in Alzheimer's disease, which in recent years has been considered as one of the key parameters in the diagnosis of Alzheimer (AD). Given that changes in sentence processing and working memory and the relationship between these two activities may be a diagnostic parameter in the early and preclinical stages of AD, the present study examines the comprehension and production of sentences and working memory in AD patients and healthy aged people. METHODS Twenty-five people with mild Alzheimer's and 25 healthy elderly people participated in the study. In this study, we used the digit span to evaluate working memory. Syntactic priming and sentence completion tasks in canonical and non-canonical conditions were used for evaluating sentence production. We administered sentence picture matching and cross-modal naming tasks to assess sentence comprehension. RESULTS The results of the present study revealed that healthy elderly people and patients with mild Alzheimer's disease have a significant difference in comprehension of relative clause sentences (P <0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in comprehension of simple active, simple active with noun phrase and passive sentences (P> 0.05). They had a significant difference in auditory and visual reaction time (P <0.05). Also there was a significant difference between the two groups in syntactic priming and sentence completion tasks. However, in non-canonical condition of sentence completion, the difference between the two groups was not significant (P> 0.05). CONCLUSION The results of the present study showed that the mean scores related to comprehension, production and working memory in people with mild Alzheimer's were lower than healthy aged people, which indicate sentence processing problems at this level of the disease. People with Alzheimer have difficulty comprehending and producing complex syntactic structures and have poorer performance in tasks that required more memory demands. It seems that the processing problems of these people are due to both working memory and language problems, which are not separate from each other and both are involved in.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Nasiri
- Student Research Committee, School of Rehabilitation, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Saeideh Moayedfar
- Department of speech therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Purmohammad
- Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Ghasisin
- Communication Disorders Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
- * E-mail: ,
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Huang Q, Liao C, Ge F, Ao J, Liu T. Acetylcholine bidirectionally regulates learning and memory. JOURNAL OF NEURORESTORATOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnrt.2022.100002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Liang X, Batsis JA, Zhu Y, Driesse TM, Roth RM, Kotz D, MacWhinney B. Evaluating Voice-Assistant Commands for Dementia Detection. COMPUT SPEECH LANG 2022; 72:101297. [PMID: 34764541 PMCID: PMC8577405 DOI: 10.1016/j.csl.2021.101297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Early detection of cognitive decline involved in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) in older adults living alone is essential for developing, planning, and initiating interventions and support systems to improve users' everyday function and quality of life. In this paper, we explore the voice commands using a Voice-Assistant System (VAS), i.e., Amazon Alexa, from 40 older adults who were either Healthy Control (HC) participants or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) participants, age 65 or older. We evaluated the data collected from voice commands, cognitive assessments, and interviews and surveys using a structured protocol. We extracted 163 unique command-relevant features from each participant's use of the VAS. We then built machine-learning models including 1-layer/2-layer neural networks, support vector machines, decision tree, and random forest, for classification and comparison with standard cognitive assessment scores, e.g., Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Our classification models using fusion features achieved an accuracy of 68%, and our regression model resulted in a Root-Mean-Square Error (RMSE) score of 3.53. Our Decision Tree (DT) and Random Forest (RF) models using selected features achieved higher classification accuracy 80-90%. Finally, we analyzed the contribution of each feature set to the model output, thus revealing the commands and features most useful in inferring the participants' cognitive status. We found that features of overall performance, features of music-related commands, features of call-related commands, and features from Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) were the top-four feature sets most impactful on inference accuracy. The results from this controlled study demonstrate the promise of future home-based cognitive assessments using Voice-Assistant Systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Liang
- Department of Computer Science, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA 02125-3393 USA
| | - John A Batsis
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 5017 Old Clinic Building, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Youxiang Zhu
- Department of Computer Science, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA 02125-3393 USA
| | - Tiffany M Driesse
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 5017 Old Clinic Building, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Robert M Roth
- Department of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth/DHMC, Lebanon, NH 03756 USA
| | - David Kotz
- Department of Computer Science, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755 USA
| | - Brian MacWhinney
- Department of Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213 US
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Liakea I, K. C. A, Bränn E, Fransson E, Sundström Poromaa I, Papadopoulos FC, Skalkidou A. Working Memory During Late Pregnancy: Associations With Antepartum and Postpartum Depression Symptoms. Front Glob Womens Health 2022; 3:820353. [PMID: 35284907 PMCID: PMC8904422 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.820353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Few studies, with conflicting results, report on the association between memory performance and depressive symptoms during the perinatal period. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether memory performance during late pregnancy is associated with antepartum (APD) and postpartum depression (PPD) symptoms. Method We conducted a prospective follow-up of 283 pregnant women, nested within a large cohort of women enrolled in the BASIC study in Uppsala University hospital between 2009 and 2019. The Wechsler Digit Span Task (forward-DSF, backward-DSB and total score-DST) was performed to evaluate short-term memory/attention (DSF) and working memory (DSB) around the 38th gestational week; the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), evaluating depressive symptoms, was filled out at 17, 32, 38 gestational weeks, as well as at 6 weeks postpartum. Unadjusted and multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association between performance on the Digit Span Task and outcome, namely depressive symptoms (using a cut-off of 12 points on the EPDS) at 38 gestational weeks, as well as at 6 weeks postpartum. Results APD symptoms were not significantly associated with DSF (p = 0.769) or DSB (p = 0.360). APD symptoms were significantly associated with PPD symptoms (p < 0.001). Unadjusted regression modeling showed that DSF in pregnancy was a significant predictor of PPD symptoms (OR 1.15; 95% CI, 1.00, 1.33, p = 0.049), and remained a significant predictor when adjusted for confounders (education and feeling rested at assessment; OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.03, 1.42, p = 0.022). DSF was a predictor of PPD symptoms only for women without a pre-pregnancy history of depression (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.04, 1.67, p = 0.024) and also those without APD (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.01, 1.43, p = 0.040). Conclusion There was no significant association between working and short-term memory performance and APD symptoms. Among all women, but especially non-depressed earlier in life and/or at antepartum, those scoring high on the forward memory test, i.e., short-term memory, had a higher risk for PPD. Future studies are required to further explore the pathophysiology behind and the predictive value of these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iliana Liakea
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Iliana Liakea
| | - Ashish K. C.
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Emma Bränn
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Emma Fransson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | | | - Alkistis Skalkidou
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Ortiz KZ, DE Lira JO, Minett TSC, Bertolucci PHF. Language impairment in the moderate stage of dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. ARQUIVOS DE NEURO-PSIQUIATRIA 2021; 79:283-289. [PMID: 34133508 DOI: 10.1590/0004-282x-anp-2020-0123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the moderate stage of dementia due to Alzheimer's disease (AD), language disorder is more evident and it impacts on communication. An overview of language impairment could be helpful to find compensatory communication strategies for these patients. OBJECTIVE To identify all language impairments among patients with moderate-stage of AD. METHODS 20 patients diagnosed with probable AD based on the criteria of the NINCDS-ARDRA, with a MMSE score of 13-23 points and CDR=2, who were undergoing treatment for AD with therapeutic doses of acetyl cholinesterase inhibitors, were assessed using the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination (BDAE), a test that provides a broad assessment of language. The results were compared with the performance of a normal population. RESULTS The patients assessed in this study presented normal scores for oral and written word recognition, repetition, mechanics of writing, primer-level dictation and spelling to dictation but also had impairment at most levels of linguistic processing, in oral and written comprehension and production. In general, as expected, the tasks relying on access to the mental lexicon were most significantly affected. However, they performed well in the naming task, in which semantic cues were presented. Moreover, the patients assessed in this study had better performance in written comprehension tasks than in oral ones. CONCLUSION The severity of the language impairments was not homogenous, with some linguistic abilities more impaired than others. The abilities that were found to be preserved can help to guide strategies for aiding in communication at this stage of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Zazo Ortiz
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Departamento de Fonoaudiologia, São Paulo SP, Brazil
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Can discourse processing performance serve as an early marker of Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment? A systematic review of text comprehension. Eur J Ageing 2021; 19:3-18. [PMID: 35241996 PMCID: PMC8881530 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-021-00619-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of linguistic and cognitive deficits have been reported during the course of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and its preceding stage of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), with some deficits appearing years before onset of clinical symptoms. It continues to be a critical task to identify tools that may serve as an early marker of pathology that are also reliably able to distinguish AD from normal ageing. Given the limited success of classic psychometric cognitive testing, a novel approach in assessment is warranted. A potentially sensitive assessment paradigm is discourse processing. The aim of this review was to synthesize original research studies investigating comprehension of discourse in AD and MCI, and to evaluate the potential of this paradigm as a promising avenue for further research. A literature search targeting studies with AD or MCI groups over 60 years of age was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO databases. Eight articles with good quality were included in the review. Six measures of discourse comprehension—naming latency, summary, lesson, main idea, proportion of inferential clauses, true/false questions—were identified. All eight studies reported significant deficits in discourse comprehension in AD and MCI groups on five of the six measures, when compared to cognitively healthy older adults. Mixed results were observed for associations with commonly used cognitive measures. Given the consistent findings for discourse comprehension measures across all studies, we strongly recommend further research on its early predictive potential, and discuss different avenues for research.
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Mohapatra B. The contribution of cognition to the rehabilitation of language and communication deficits. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THERAPY AND REHABILITATION 2020. [DOI: 10.12968/ijtr.2019.0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Background/Aims There is growing evidence to suggest that cognitive processes, in particular working memory and executive functions, are related to language functions such as syntactic processing, reading comprehension, narration and conversational discourse. This article offers rehabilitation considerations for speech-language pathologists to include cognitive assessment and treatment in their clinical practice. The information presented will also be useful in promoting multidisciplinary rehabilitation. Methods A critical review of the literature on the interaction between cognitive processes and linguistic functions in communication disorders was undertaken. Specific key terms including but not limited to executive functioning, working memory, language, assessment, intervention and communication disorders were searched on the Google Scholar database. Relevant literature from the last three decades pertaining to cognitive behavior, assessment and intervention in communication disorders of all age groups and severities is included in the review. Results The review presents analyses of the multidimensional and dynamic interaction of language and cognition in children (specific language impairment, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, stuttering) and adults (traumatic brain injury, stroke, dementia) with communication disorders. The article elaborates on the speech-language pathologist's scope of practice in cognitive assessment and intervention that are consistent with the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health framework. Conclusions By documenting cognitive-communication behaviour, speech-language pathologists are able to effectively contribute to the clinical assessment and management of cognitive deficits. However, future research efforts are required to develop clinically reliable tests of cognitive functioning in communication disorders and promote evidence-based cognitive treatment practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijoyaa Mohapatra
- Department of Communication Disorders, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA
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14
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Higby E, Cahana-Amitay D, Vogel-Eyny A, Spiro A, Albert ML, Obler LK. The Role of Executive Functions in Object- and Action-Naming among Older Adults. Exp Aging Res 2019; 45:306-330. [PMID: 31216948 DOI: 10.1080/0361073x.2019.1627492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Background/Study Context: Lexical retrieval abilities and executive function skills decline with age. The extent to which these processes might be interdependent remains unknown. The aim of the current study was to examine whether individual differences in three executive functions (shifting, fluency, and inhibition) predicted naming performance in older adults. Methods: The sample included 264 adults aged 55-84. Six measures of executive functions were combined to make three executive function composites scores. Lexical retrieval performance was measured by accuracy and response time on two tasks: object naming and action naming. We conducted a series of multiple regressions to test whether executive function performance predicts naming abilities in older adults. Results: We found that different executive functions predicted naming speed and accuracy. Shifting predicted naming accuracy for both object and action naming while fluency predicted response times on both tests as well as object naming accuracy, after controlling for education, gender, age, working memory span, and speed of processing in all regressions. Interestingly, inhibition did not contribute to naming accuracy or response times on either task. Conclusion: The findings support the notion that preservation of some executive functions contributes to successful naming in older adults and that different executive functions are associated with naming speed and accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eve Higby
- a Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences , California State University , East Bay, Hayward , CA , USA.,b Department of Psychology , University of California , Riverside , CA , USA
| | - Dalia Cahana-Amitay
- c Department of Neurology , Boston University School of Medicine , Boston , MA.,d Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System , Boston , MA
| | - Amy Vogel-Eyny
- e Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences , The Graduate Center of the City University of New York , New York , NY
| | - Avron Spiro
- d Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System , Boston , MA.,f Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health , Boston University , Boston , MA.,g Department of Psychiatry , Boston University School of Medicine , Boston , MA
| | - Martin L Albert
- c Department of Neurology , Boston University School of Medicine , Boston , MA.,d Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System , Boston , MA
| | - Loraine K Obler
- c Department of Neurology , Boston University School of Medicine , Boston , MA.,d Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System , Boston , MA.,e Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences , The Graduate Center of the City University of New York , New York , NY
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15
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Ruchinskas R. Wechsler adult intelligence scale-4th edition digit span performance in subjective cognitive complaints, amnestic mild cognitive impairment, and probable dementia of the Alzheimer type. Clin Neuropsychol 2019; 33:1436-1444. [DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2019.1585574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Ruchinskas
- Department of Psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Neurology & Neurotherapeutics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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16
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Mueller KD, Hermann B, Mecollari J, Turkstra LS. Connected speech and language in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease: A review of picture description tasks. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2018; 40:917-939. [PMID: 29669461 PMCID: PMC6198327 DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2018.1446513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The neuropsychological profile of people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia includes a history of decline in memory and other cognitive domains, including language. While language impairments have been well described in AD dementia, language features of MCI are less well understood. Connected speech and language analysis is the study of an individual's spoken discourse, usually elicited by a target stimulus, the results of which can facilitate understanding of how language deficits typical of MCI and AD dementia manifest in everyday communication. Among discourse genres, picture description is a constrained task that relies less on episodic memory and more on semantic knowledge and retrieval, within the cognitive demands of a communication context. Understanding the breadth of evidence across the continuum of cognitive decline will help to elucidate the areas of strength and need in terms of using this method as an evaluative tool for both cognitive changes and everyday functional communication. METHOD We performed an extensive literature search of peer-reviewed journal articles that focused on the use of picture description tasks for evaluating language in persons with MCI or AD dementia. We selected articles based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and described the measures assessed, the psychometric properties that were reported, the findings, and the limitations of the included studies. RESULTS 36 studies were selected and reviewed. Across all 36 studies, there were 1, 127 patients with AD dementia and 274 with MCI or early cognitive decline. Multiple measures were examined, including those describing semantic content, syntactic complexity, speech fluency, vocal parameters, and pragmatic language. Discriminant validity widely reported and distinct differences in language were observable between adults with dementia and controls; fewer studies were able to distinguish language differences between typically aging adults and those with MCI. DISCUSSION Our review shows that picture description tasks are useful tools for detecting differences in a wide variety of language and communicative measures. Future research should expand knowledge about subtle changes to language in preclinical AD and Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) which may improve the utility of this method as a clinically meaningful screening tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly D. Mueller
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
- Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
| | - Bruce Hermann
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
| | - Jonilda Mecollari
- Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
| | - Lyn S. Turkstra
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
- School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Canada
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López-Higes R, Prados JM, Rubio-Valdehita S, Rodríguez-Rojo I, de Frutos-Lucas J, Montenegro M, Montejo P, Prada D, Losada MLD. Factors Explaining Language Performance After Training in Elders With and Without Subjective Cognitive Decline. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 10:264. [PMID: 30233353 PMCID: PMC6129583 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2018.00264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study explores if cognitive reserve, executive functions, and working memory capacity are predictive of performance in the language domain (specifically in sentence comprehension and naming) after a cognitive training intervention. Sixty-six Spanish older adults voluntarily participated in the study, classified either as older adults with subjective cognitive decline according to Jessen et al.’s (2014) criteria (n = 35; 70.94 ± 4.16 years old) or cognitively intact (n = 31; 71.34 ± 4.96 years old). Written sentence comprehension and visual confrontation naming were assessed both immediately after recruitment (at the baseline), and then 6 months later, once each participant had completed his/her cognitive training (a well-known program in Spain, called UMAM; English translation: Madrid City Council Memory Unit Program). Cognitive reserve, executive functions (cognitive flexibility and controlled interference efficiency), and working memory capacity were measured for all participants at the baseline. Results pointed out that the subjective cognitive decline group presented greater benefits in the language domain than cognitively intact participants. We also observed that lower executive functioning and working memory capacity at the baseline predicted larger benefits in language performance after training, but only in the group of cognitively intact older adults. However, selected predictors hardly explained subjective cognitive decline participants’ results in language performance after training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramón López-Higes
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose M Prados
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Inmaculada Rodríguez-Rojo
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Laboratory of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Center of Biomedical Technology, Polytechnical University - Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaisalmer de Frutos-Lucas
- Laboratory of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Center of Biomedical Technology, Polytechnical University - Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.,Centre for the Prevention of Cognitive Impairment, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Montenegro
- Biological and Health Psychology Department, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Montejo
- Biological and Health Psychology Department, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Prada
- Biological and Health Psychology Department, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - María L D Losada
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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18
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Swords GM, Nguyen LT, Mudar RA, Llano DA. Auditory system dysfunction in Alzheimer disease and its prodromal states: A review. Ageing Res Rev 2018; 44:49-59. [PMID: 29630950 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Recent findings suggest that both peripheral and central auditory system dysfunction occur in the prodromal stages of Alzheimer Disease (AD), and therefore may represent early indicators of the disease. In addition, loss of auditory function itself leads to communication difficulties, social isolation and poor quality of life for both patients with AD and their caregivers. Developing a greater understanding of auditory dysfunction in early AD may shed light on the mechanisms of disease progression and carry diagnostic and therapeutic importance. Herein, we review the literature on hearing abilities in AD and its prodromal stages investigated through methods such as pure-tone audiometry, dichotic listening tasks, and evoked response potentials. We propose that screening for peripheral and central auditory dysfunction in at-risk populations is a low-cost and effective means to identify early AD pathology and provides an entry point for therapeutic interventions that enhance the quality of life of AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lydia T Nguyen
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States; Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States
| | - Raksha A Mudar
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States; Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States
| | - Daniel A Llano
- University of Illinois College of Medicine, United States; Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States; Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, Urbana, IL, United States.
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19
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Fyndanis V, Arcara G, Christidou P, Caplan D. Morphosyntactic Production and Verbal Working Memory: Evidence From Greek Aphasia and Healthy Aging. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2018; 61:1171-1187. [PMID: 29710332 DOI: 10.1044/2018_jslhr-l-17-0103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The present work investigated whether verbal working memory (WM) affects morphosyntactic production in configurations that do not involve or favor similarity-based interference and whether WM interacts with verb-related morphosyntactic categories and/or cue-target distance (locality). It also explored whether the findings related to the questions above lend support to a recent account of agrammatic morphosyntactic production: Interpretable Features' Impairment Hypothesis (Fyndanis, Varlokosta, & Tsapkini, 2012). METHOD A sentence completion task testing production of subject-verb agreement, tense/time reference, and aspect in local and nonlocal conditions and two verbal WM tasks were administered to 8 Greek-speaking persons with agrammatic aphasia (PWA) and 103 healthy participants. RESULTS The 3 morphosyntactic categories dissociated in both groups (agreement > tense > aspect). A significant interaction emerged in both groups between the 3 morphosyntactic categories and WM. There was no main effect of locality in either of the 2 groups. At the individual level, all 8 PWA exhibited dissociations between agreement, tense, and aspect, and effects of locality were contradictory. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that individuals with WM limitations (both PWA and healthy older speakers) show dissociations between the production of verb-related morphosyntactic categories. WM affects performance shaping the pattern of morphosyntactic production (in Greek: subject-verb agreement > tense > aspect). The absence of an effect of locality suggests that executive capacities tapped by WM tasks are involved in morphosyntactic processing of demanding categories even when the cue is adjacent to the target. Results are consistent with the Interpretable Features' Impairment Hypothesis (Fyndanis et al., 2012). SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.6024428.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valantis Fyndanis
- MultiLing/Department of Linguistics and Scandinavian Studies, University of Oslo, Norway
- Department of Linguistics, University of Potsdam, Germany
| | | | | | - David Caplan
- Neuropsychology Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
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20
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De Belder M, Santens P, Sieben A, Fias W. Impaired Processing of Serial Order Determines Working Memory Impairments in Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2018; 59:1171-1186. [PMID: 28731436 DOI: 10.3233/jad-170193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Working memory (WM) problems are commonly observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but the affected mechanisms leading to impaired WM are still insufficiently understood. The ability to efficiently process serial order in WM has been demonstrated to be fundamental to fluent daily life functioning. The decreased capability to mentally process serial position in WM has been put forward as the underlying explanation for generally compromised WM performance. OBJECTIVE Determine which mechanisms, such as order processing, are responsible for deficient WM functioning in AD. METHOD A group of AD patients (n = 32) and their partners (n = 25), assigned to the control group, were submitted to an extensive battery of neuropsychological and experimental tasks, assessing general cognitive state and functioning of several aspects related to serial order WM. RESULTS The results revealed an impaired ability to bind item information to serial position within WM in AD patients compared to controls. It was additionally observed that AD patients experienced specific difficulties with directing spatial attention when searching for item information stored in WM. CONCLUSION The processing of serial order and the allocation of attentional resources are both disrupted, explaining the generally reduced WM functioning in AD patients. Further studies should now clarify whether this observation could explain disease-related problems for other cognitive functions such as verbal expression, auditory comprehension, or planning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Wim Fias
- Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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21
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Kljajevic V, Vranes-Grujicic M, Raskovic K. Comprehension of Spatial Metaphors After Right Hemisphere Stroke: A Case Report. SERBIAN JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH 2018. [DOI: 10.1515/sjecr-2017-0027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Studying how spatial information interacts with figurative language processing in right-hemisphere (RH) stroke patients is a relatively neglected area of research. The goal of the present case study was to establish whether an ischemic lesion in the right temporo-parietal region causing spatial neglect would affect comprehension of sentence-level spatial metaphors, since some evidence indicates the crucial role of the RH in metaphor processing. The patient under study showed some degree of cognitive impairment (e.g., in spatial and verbal working memory, executive control, visuo-spatial matching skills). However, his comprehension of spatial metaphors was preserved. This case illustrates that RH damage does not necessarily affect comprehension of sentence-level spatial metaphors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanja Kljajevic
- University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) , Vitoria , Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science , Bilbao , Spain
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López-Higes R, Martín-Aragoneses MT, Rubio-Valdehita S, Delgado-Losada ML, Montejo P, Montenegro M, Prados JM, de Frutos-Lucas J, López-Sanz D. Efficacy of Cognitive Training in Older Adults with and without Subjective Cognitive Decline Is Associated with Inhibition Efficiency and Working Memory Span, Not with Cognitive Reserve. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 10:23. [PMID: 29456502 PMCID: PMC5801297 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2018.00023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study explores the role of cognitive reserve, executive functions, and working memory (WM) span, as factors that might explain training outcomes in cognitive status. Eighty-one older adults voluntarily participated in the study, classified either as older adults with subjective cognitive decline or cognitively intact. Each participant underwent a neuropsychological assessment that was conducted both at baseline (entailing cognitive reserve, executive functions, WM span and depressive symptomatology measures, as well as the Mini-Mental State Exam regarding initial cognitive status), and then 6 months later, once each participant had completed the training program (Mini-Mental State Exam at the endpoint). With respect to cognitive status the training program was most beneficial for subjective cognitive decline participants with low efficiency in inhibition at baseline (explaining a 33% of Mini-Mental State Exam total variance), whereas for cognitively intact participants training gains were observed for those who presented lower WM span.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramón López-Higes
- Department of Cognitive Processes, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - María T Martín-Aragoneses
- Department of Methods of Research and Diagnostic in Education, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain.,Laboratory of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana Rubio-Valdehita
- Department of Differential and Occupational Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Pedro Montejo
- Center for the Prevention of Cognitive Impairment, Madrid-Salud, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Montenegro
- Center for the Prevention of Cognitive Impairment, Madrid-Salud, Madrid, Spain
| | - José M Prados
- Department of Cognitive Processes, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - David López-Sanz
- Laboratory of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience, Madrid, Spain
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Towse JN, Hitch GJ, Hamilton Z, Peacock K, Hutton UMZ. Working Memory Period: The Endurance of Mental Representations. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 58:547-71. [PMID: 16025761 DOI: 10.1080/02724980443000098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Working memory span assesses the maximum number of items that can be remembered in the face of concurrent processing. Models of working memory differ on several dimensions, yet many rely exclusively on this span procedure for their evidence. Three experiments consider an alternative paradigm that attempts to capture the endurance limits for remembering a fixed number of items during concurrent processing. Eight-year-old children performed two versions of this working memory period measure—operation period and reading period. Period scores show healthy test–retest reliability and external validity for scholastic attainment, comparing well with span scores in these respects. In addition, period is highly correlated with span and shows similar effects of varying the order in which stimuli are presented. We conclude that the durability of representations is an important factor in both span and period.
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Affiliation(s)
- John N Towse
- Department of Psychology, Fylde College, Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK.
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Gignac GE, Reynolds MR, Kovacs K. Digit Span Subscale Scores May Be Insufficiently Reliable for Clinical Interpretation: Distinguishing Between Stratified Coefficient Alpha and Omega Hierarchical. Assessment 2017; 26:1554-1563. [PMID: 29254353 DOI: 10.1177/1073191117748396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Digit Span subscale (Digit Span Forward, Backward, and Sequencing combined composite) internal inconsistency reliability has been reported at .93, based on a coefficient known as stratified coefficient alpha. With accessible examples, we demonstrate that stratified coefficient alpha can deviate substantially from a model-based internal consistency reliability that represents an underlying dimension, that is, omega hierarchical. Next, we simulated item-level Digit Span subscale data to correspond very closely to the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-fourth edition normative sample. Based on omega hierarchical, we estimated the internal consistency reliability associated with the Digit Span subscale scores at .74. In light of the results, clinicians are cautioned against interpreting Digit Span subscale scores. Instead, interpretations should probably be restricted to the Digit Span Forward, Digit Span Backward, and Digit Span Sequencing test scores. Finally, we offer suggestions for improvement to achieve higher levels of Digit Span subscale score reliability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles E Gignac
- University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | - Kristof Kovacs
- Institute of Psychology Eotvos Lorand University, Hungary
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25
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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Semantic memory measures may be useful in tracking and predicting progression of Alzheimer disease. We investigated relationships among semantic memory tasks and their 1-year predictive value in women with Alzheimer disease. METHODS We conducted secondary analyses of a randomized clinical trial of raloxifene in 42 women with late-onset mild-to-moderate Alzheimer disease. We assessed semantic memory with tests of oral confrontation naming, category fluency, semantic recognition and semantic naming, and semantic density in written narrative discourse. We measured global cognition (Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale, cognitive subscale), dementia severity (Clinical Dementia Rating sum of boxes), and daily function (Activities of Daily Living Inventory) at baseline and 1 year. RESULTS At baseline and 1 year, most semantic memory scores correlated highly or moderately with each other and with global cognition, dementia severity, and daily function. Semantic memory task performance at 1 year had worsened one-third to one-half standard deviation. Factor analysis of baseline test scores distinguished processes in semantic and lexical retrieval (semantic recognition, semantic naming, confrontation naming) from processes in lexical search (semantic density, category fluency). The semantic-lexical retrieval factor predicted global cognition at 1 year. Considered separately, baseline confrontation naming and category fluency predicted dementia severity, while semantic recognition and a composite of semantic recognition and semantic naming predicted global cognition. No individual semantic memory test predicted daily function. CONCLUSIONS Semantic-lexical retrieval and lexical search may represent distinct aspects of semantic memory. Semantic memory processes are sensitive to cognitive decline and dementia severity in Alzheimer disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe T. Tchakoute
- Departments of Health Research & Policy (Epidemiology), Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Kristin L. Sainani
- Departments of Health Research & Policy (Epidemiology), Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Victor W. Henderson
- Departments of Health Research & Policy (Epidemiology), Stanford University, Stanford, California
- Neurology & Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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26
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LaBelle DR, Lee BG, Miller JB. Dissociation of Executive and Attentional Elements of the Digit Span Task in a Population of Older Adults: A Latent Class Analysis. Assessment 2017. [PMID: 28621146 DOI: 10.1177/1073191117714556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The prevailing model for working memory proposes the existence of a "central executive" responsible for coordinating and prioritizing incoming information from sensory and association cortices. The Digit Span task is commonly used by clinicians to parse attentional and executive components of working memory; however, the interrelatedness of these constructs in the context of advanced age and neurodegenerative disease remains an area of active investigation. The current study details a procedure and rationale for the use of latent class analysis, a data-driven, person-centered method, in the investigation of older adults and dementia. Class analysis of digit span performance in older adults (n = 874) drawn from a specialty clinic revealed four classes with distinct performance across task subcomponents. In three of the classes, attentional and executive elements demonstrated similar performance. The fourth class and implications of class structure are discussed in the context of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise R LaBelle
- Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Bern G Lee
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Justin B Miller
- Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, Las Vegas, NV, USA
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27
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Ma L, Chang L, Chen X, Zhou R. Working memory test battery for young adults: Computerized working memory assessment. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175047. [PMID: 28362867 PMCID: PMC5376327 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This study developed a battery of computerized working memory (WM) tests and a scoring system suitable for young adult users. The tests comprised five classic tasks derived from Baddeley's model of WM, reflecting each of the five WM functions. We recruited 115 undergraduate and graduate students from various academic fields and constructed a preliminary WM scoring norm for young adults. The scoring norm was used as a basis for developing a computerized assessment system. The results of correlation analysis show that the fluid intelligence of young adults is related to the memory function of WM, but not to the central executive system. The proposed working memory test battery for young adults comprehensively reflects the WM capacity of adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Ma
- School of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Chang
- Department of Psychology, University of Macau, Macau S.A.R., China
| | - Xiaoying Chen
- School of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Renlai Zhou
- Department of Psychology, School of Social and Behavior Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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28
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Noroozian M. Alzheimer's Disease: Prototype of Cognitive Deterioration, Valuable Lessons to Understand Human Cognition. Neurol Clin 2016; 34:69-131. [PMID: 26613996 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncl.2015.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
It is important for neurologists to become more familiar with neuropsychological evaluation for Alzheimer disease. The growth of this method in research, as an available, inexpensive, and noninvasive diagnostic approach, which can be administered even by non-specialist-trained examiners, makes this knowledge more necessary than ever. Such knowledge has a basic role in planning national programs in primary health care systems for prevention and early detection of Alzheimer disease. This is more crucial in developing countries, which have higher rates of dementia prevalence along with cardiovascular risk factors, lack of public knowledge about dementia, and limited social support. In addition compared to the neurological hard signs which are tangible and measurable, the concept of cognition seems to be more difficult for the neurologists to evaluate and for the students to understand. Dementia in general and Alzheimer's disease as the prototype of cognitive disorders specifically, play an important role to explore all domains of human cognition through its symptomatology and neuropsychological deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Noroozian
- Memory and Behavioral Neurology Division, Department of Psychiatry, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 606 South Kargar Avenue, Tehran 1333795914, Iran.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing awareness that the subjective experience of people with dementia is important for understanding behavior and improving quality of life. This paper reviews and reflects on the currently available theories on subjective experience in dementia and it explores the possibility of a knowledge gap on the influence of neurological deficits on experience in late stage dementia. METHODS A literature review on current commonly used theories on experience in dementia was supplemented with a systematic review in PubMed and Psychinfo. For the systematic review, the terms used were Perception and Dementia and Behavior; and Awareness and Dementia and Long term care. RESULTS Current models emphasize the psychosocial factors that influence subjective experience, but the consequences of neurological deficits are not elaborated upon. The systematic literature search on the neuropsychological functioning in dementia resulted in 631 papers, of which 94 were selected for review. The current knowledge is limited to the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. Next to memory impairments, perception of the direct environment, interpretation of the environment, and inhibition of own responses to the environment seem to be altered in people with dementia. CONCLUSIONS Without knowledge on how perception, interpretation and the ability for response control are altered, the behavior of people with dementia can easily be misinterpreted. Research into neuropsychological functioning of people in more severe stages and different forms of dementia is needed to be able to develop a model that is truly biopsychosocial. The proposed model can be used in such research as a starting point for developing tests and theories.
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Choi H. Working Memory and Verbal Memory’s Relationship to Discourse Comprehension in Patients with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment and with Alzheimer’s Disease. COMMUNICATION SCIENCES & DISORDERS 2016. [DOI: 10.12963/csd.16299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Payne BR, Stine-Morrow EAL. Risk for Mild Cognitive Impairment Is Associated With Semantic Integration Deficits in Sentence Processing and Memory. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2016; 71:243-53. [PMID: 25190209 PMCID: PMC5014242 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbu103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 07/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We examined the degree to which online sentence processing and offline sentence memory differed among older adults who showed risk for amnestic and nonamnestic varieties of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), based on psychometric classification. METHOD Participants (N = 439) read a series of sentences in a self-paced word-by-word reading paradigm for subsequent recall and completed a standardized cognitive test battery. Participants were classified into 3 groups: unimpaired controls (N = 281), amnestic MCI (N = 94), or nonamnestic MCI (N = 64). RESULTS Relative to controls, both MCI groups had poorer sentence memory and showed reduced sentence wrap-up effects, indicating reduced allocation to semantic integration processes. Wrap-up effects predicted subsequent recall in the control and nonamnestic groups. The amnestic MCI group showed poorer recall than the nonamnestic MCI group, and only the amnestic MCI group showed no relationship between sentence wrap-up and recall. DISCUSSION Our findings suggest that psychometrically defined sub-types of MCI are associated with unique deficits in sentence processing and can differentiate between the engagement of attentional resources during reading and the effectiveness of engaging attentional resources in producing improved memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brennan R Payne
- The Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
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Cahana-Amitay D, Spiro A, Sayers JT, Oveis AC, Higby E, Ojo EA, Duncan S, Goral M, Hyun J, Albert ML, Obler LK. How older adults use cognition in sentence-final word recognition. AGING NEUROPSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITION 2015; 23:418-44. [PMID: 26569553 DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2015.1111291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the effects of executive control and working memory on older adults' sentence-final word recognition. The question we addressed was the importance of executive functions to this process and how it is modulated by the predictability of the speech material. To this end, we tested 173 neurologically intact adult native English speakers aged 55-84 years. Participants were given a sentence-final word recognition test in which sentential context was manipulated and sentences were presented in different levels of babble, and multiple tests of executive functioning assessing inhibition, shifting, and efficient access to long-term memory, as well as working memory. Using a generalized linear mixed model, we found that better inhibition was associated with higher accuracy in word recognition, while increased age and greater hearing loss were associated with poorer performance. Findings are discussed in the framework of semantic control and are interpreted as supporting a theoretical view of executive control which emphasizes functional diversity among executive components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia Cahana-Amitay
- a Department of Neurology , Boston University School of Medicine , Boston , MA , USA.,d Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Avron Spiro
- b Department of Epidemiology , School of Public Health, Boston University , Boston , MA , USA.,c Department of Psychiatry , Boston University School of Medicine , Boston , MA , USA.,d Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Jesse T Sayers
- a Department of Neurology , Boston University School of Medicine , Boston , MA , USA.,d Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Abigail C Oveis
- a Department of Neurology , Boston University School of Medicine , Boston , MA , USA.,d Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Eve Higby
- a Department of Neurology , Boston University School of Medicine , Boston , MA , USA.,d Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System , Boston , MA , USA.,e The Graduate Center, City University of New York , New York , NY , USA
| | - Emmanuel A Ojo
- a Department of Neurology , Boston University School of Medicine , Boston , MA , USA.,d Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Susan Duncan
- e The Graduate Center, City University of New York , New York , NY , USA.,g Department of Cognitive Sciences and Neurology , University of California , Irvine , CA , USA
| | - Mira Goral
- a Department of Neurology , Boston University School of Medicine , Boston , MA , USA.,d Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System , Boston , MA , USA.,e The Graduate Center, City University of New York , New York , NY , USA.,f Lehman College, City University of New York , New York , NY , USA
| | - Jungmoon Hyun
- a Department of Neurology , Boston University School of Medicine , Boston , MA , USA.,d Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System , Boston , MA , USA.,e The Graduate Center, City University of New York , New York , NY , USA
| | - Martin L Albert
- a Department of Neurology , Boston University School of Medicine , Boston , MA , USA.,d Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Loraine K Obler
- a Department of Neurology , Boston University School of Medicine , Boston , MA , USA.,d Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System , Boston , MA , USA.,e The Graduate Center, City University of New York , New York , NY , USA
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The role of nonverbal working memory in morphosyntactic processing by school-aged monolingual and bilingual children. J Exp Child Psychol 2015; 142:171-94. [PMID: 26550957 DOI: 10.1016/j.jecp.2015.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Revised: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The current study examined the relationship between nonverbal working memory and morphosyntactic processing in monolingual native speakers of English and bilingual speakers of English and Spanish. We tested 42 monolingual children and 42 bilingual children between the ages of 8 and 10years matched on age and nonverbal IQ. Children were administered an auditory Grammaticality Judgment task in English to measure morphosyntactic processing and a visual N-Back task and Corsi Blocks task to measure nonverbal working memory capacity. Analyses revealed that monolinguals were more sensitive to English morphosyntactic information than bilinguals, but the groups did not differ in reaction times or response bias. Furthermore, higher nonverbal working memory capacity was associated with greater sensitivity to morphosyntactic violations in bilinguals but not in monolinguals. The findings suggest that nonverbal working memory skills link more tightly to syntactic processing in populations with lower levels of language knowledge.
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Henderson VW, Ala T, Sainani KL, Bernstein AL, Stephenson BS, Rosen AC, Farlow MR. Raloxifene for women with Alzheimer disease: A randomized controlled pilot trial. Neurology 2015; 85:1937-44. [PMID: 26537053 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000002171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether raloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, improves cognitive function compared with placebo in women with Alzheimer disease (AD) and to provide an estimate of cognitive effect. METHODS This pilot study was conducted as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, with a planned treatment of 12 months. Women with late-onset AD of mild to moderate severity were randomly allocated to high-dose (120 mg) oral raloxifene or identical placebo provided once daily. The primary outcome compared between treatment groups at 12 months was change in the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale, cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog). RESULTS Forty-two women randomized to raloxifene or placebo were included in intent-to-treat analyses (mean age 76 years, range 68-84), and 39 women contributed 12-month outcomes. ADAS-cog change scores at 12 months did not differ significantly between treatment groups (standardized difference 0.03, 95% confidence interval -0.39 to 0.44, 2-tailed p = 0.89). Raloxifene and placebo groups did not differ significantly on secondary analyses of dementia rating, activities of daily living, behavior, or a global cognition composite score. Caregiver burden and caregiver distress were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS Results on the primary outcome showed no cognitive benefits in the raloxifene-treated group. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE This study provides Class I evidence that for women with AD, raloxifene does not have a significant cognitive effect. The study lacked the precision to exclude a small effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor W Henderson
- From the Departments of Health Research and Policy (Epidemiology) (V.W.H., K.L.S.), Neurology and Neurological Sciences (V.W.H.), and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (A.C.R.), Stanford University, CA; Department of Neurology (T.A.), Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield; Neurology (A.L.B.) and Family Medicine (B.S.S.) Departments, Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Medical Center, CA; Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Health Care System (A.C.R.), CA; and Department of Neurology (M.R.F.), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis. A.L.B. is currently affiliated with Sonoma West Medical Center, Sebastopol, CA.
| | - Tom Ala
- From the Departments of Health Research and Policy (Epidemiology) (V.W.H., K.L.S.), Neurology and Neurological Sciences (V.W.H.), and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (A.C.R.), Stanford University, CA; Department of Neurology (T.A.), Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield; Neurology (A.L.B.) and Family Medicine (B.S.S.) Departments, Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Medical Center, CA; Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Health Care System (A.C.R.), CA; and Department of Neurology (M.R.F.), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis. A.L.B. is currently affiliated with Sonoma West Medical Center, Sebastopol, CA
| | - Kristin L Sainani
- From the Departments of Health Research and Policy (Epidemiology) (V.W.H., K.L.S.), Neurology and Neurological Sciences (V.W.H.), and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (A.C.R.), Stanford University, CA; Department of Neurology (T.A.), Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield; Neurology (A.L.B.) and Family Medicine (B.S.S.) Departments, Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Medical Center, CA; Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Health Care System (A.C.R.), CA; and Department of Neurology (M.R.F.), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis. A.L.B. is currently affiliated with Sonoma West Medical Center, Sebastopol, CA
| | - Allan L Bernstein
- From the Departments of Health Research and Policy (Epidemiology) (V.W.H., K.L.S.), Neurology and Neurological Sciences (V.W.H.), and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (A.C.R.), Stanford University, CA; Department of Neurology (T.A.), Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield; Neurology (A.L.B.) and Family Medicine (B.S.S.) Departments, Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Medical Center, CA; Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Health Care System (A.C.R.), CA; and Department of Neurology (M.R.F.), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis. A.L.B. is currently affiliated with Sonoma West Medical Center, Sebastopol, CA
| | - B Sue Stephenson
- From the Departments of Health Research and Policy (Epidemiology) (V.W.H., K.L.S.), Neurology and Neurological Sciences (V.W.H.), and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (A.C.R.), Stanford University, CA; Department of Neurology (T.A.), Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield; Neurology (A.L.B.) and Family Medicine (B.S.S.) Departments, Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Medical Center, CA; Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Health Care System (A.C.R.), CA; and Department of Neurology (M.R.F.), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis. A.L.B. is currently affiliated with Sonoma West Medical Center, Sebastopol, CA
| | - Allyson C Rosen
- From the Departments of Health Research and Policy (Epidemiology) (V.W.H., K.L.S.), Neurology and Neurological Sciences (V.W.H.), and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (A.C.R.), Stanford University, CA; Department of Neurology (T.A.), Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield; Neurology (A.L.B.) and Family Medicine (B.S.S.) Departments, Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Medical Center, CA; Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Health Care System (A.C.R.), CA; and Department of Neurology (M.R.F.), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis. A.L.B. is currently affiliated with Sonoma West Medical Center, Sebastopol, CA
| | - Martin R Farlow
- From the Departments of Health Research and Policy (Epidemiology) (V.W.H., K.L.S.), Neurology and Neurological Sciences (V.W.H.), and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (A.C.R.), Stanford University, CA; Department of Neurology (T.A.), Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield; Neurology (A.L.B.) and Family Medicine (B.S.S.) Departments, Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Medical Center, CA; Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Health Care System (A.C.R.), CA; and Department of Neurology (M.R.F.), Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis. A.L.B. is currently affiliated with Sonoma West Medical Center, Sebastopol, CA
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Stolwyk R, Bannirchelvam B, Kraan C, Simpson K. The cognitive abilities associated with verbal fluency task performance differ across fluency variants and age groups in healthy young and old adults. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2015; 37:70-83. [DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2014.988125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Lima TM, Brandão L, Parente MADMP, Peña-Casanova J. Doença de alzheimer: cognição e discurso narrativo com apoio em figuras. REVISTA CEFAC 2014. [DOI: 10.1590/1982-021620147513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objetivo investigar as características discursivas de pessoas com Doença de Alzheimer (DA) nos estágios moderado e moderado-grave por meio de uma tarefa com apoio em figuras; examinar possíveis falhas na expressão do conhecimento e a relação entre o discurso e a cognição. Métodos trata-se de um estudo com delineamento transversal, quantitativo, utilizando-se da análise de comparação de grupos. A amostra do grupo clínico foi constituída por dezoito participantes com DA (oito sujeitos com declínio cognitivo moderado (GDS 4), e dez com declínio cognitivo moderado-grave (GDS 5); o grupo controle foi composto de dezesseis sujeitos sem distúrbios neurológicos ou psiquiátricos. Todos sujeitos foram pareados quanto ao gênero, língua materna, idade e escolaridade e todos submetidos a avaliações de habilidades cognitivas. A tarefa discursiva consistiu na narrativa baseada em uma sequência de figuras do conto “Chapeuzinho Vermelho”. Resultados os sujeitos com DA apresentaram escores de coerência global mais baixos, bem como mais falhas na expressão de conhecimento do que sujeitos sem DA e suas características discursivas correlacionaram-se com suas habilidades cognitivas. Os grupos GDS 4 e GDS 5 diferiram com relação à coerência local. Conclusão o discurso dos participantes com DA caracteriza-se por falhas de coerência e informatividade que apresentam relações estreitas com seus déficits cognitivos.
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Fedorenko E. The role of domain-general cognitive control in language comprehension. Front Psychol 2014; 5:335. [PMID: 24803909 PMCID: PMC4009428 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2012] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
What role does domain-general cognitive control play in understanding linguistic input? Although much evidence has suggested that domain-general cognitive control and working memory resources are sometimes recruited during language comprehension, many aspects of this relationship remain elusive. For example, how frequently do cognitive control mechanisms get engaged when we understand language? And is this engagement necessary for successful comprehension? I here (a) review recent brain imaging evidence for the neural separability of the brain regions that support high-level linguistic processing vs. those that support domain-general cognitive control abilities; (b) define the space of possibilities for the relationship between these sets of brain regions; and (c) review the available evidence that constrains these possibilities to some extent. I argue that we should stop asking whether domain-general cognitive control mechanisms play a role in language comprehension, and instead focus on characterizing the division of labor between the cognitive control brain regions and the more functionally specialized language regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelina Fedorenko
- Psychiatry Department, Massachusetts General HospitalCharlestown, MA, USA
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Wright CA, Dobson KS, Sears CR. Does a high working memory capacity attenuate the negative impact of trait anxiety on attentional control? Evidence from the antisaccade task. JOURNAL OF COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/20445911.2014.901331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Bishop DVM, Nation K, Patterson K. When words fail us: insights into language processing from developmental and acquired disorders. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2013; 369:20120403. [PMID: 24324244 PMCID: PMC3866430 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2012.0403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Acquired disorders of language represent loss of previously acquired skills, usually with relatively specific impairments. In children with developmental disorders of language, we may also see selective impairment in some skills; but in this case, the acquisition of language or literacy is affected from the outset. Because systems for processing spoken and written language change as they develop, we should beware of drawing too close a parallel between developmental and acquired disorders. Nevertheless, comparisons between the two may yield new insights. A key feature of connectionist models simulating acquired disorders is the interaction of components of language processing with each other and with other cognitive domains. This kind of model might help make sense of patterns of comorbidity in developmental disorders. Meanwhile, the study of developmental disorders emphasizes learning and change in underlying representations, allowing us to study how heterogeneity in cognitive profile may relate not just to neurobiology but also to experience. Children with persistent language difficulties pose challenges both to our efforts at intervention and to theories of learning of written and spoken language. Future attention to learning in individuals with developmental and acquired disorders could be of both theoretical and applied value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy V. M. Bishop
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, 9 South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3UD, UK
| | - Kate Nation
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, 9 South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3UD, UK
| | - Karalyn Patterson
- Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Herchel Smith Building, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 2PY, UK
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Abstract
The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) is a large multi-center study designed to develop optimized methods for acquiring longitudinal neuroimaging, cognitive, and biomarker measures of AD progression in a large cohort of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment, and healthy controls. Detailed neuropsychological testing was conducted on all participants. We examined the factor structure of the ADNI Neuropsychological Battery across older adults with differing levels of clinical AD severity based on the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of 23 variables from 10 neuropsychological tests resulted in five factors (memory, language, visuospatial functioning, attention, and executive function/processing speed) that were invariant across levels of cognitive impairment. Thus, these five factors can be used as indicators of cognitive function in older adults who are participants in ADNI.
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Interindividual Variability in Vocabulary, Sentence Comprehension and Working Memory in the Elderly: Effects of Cognitive Deterioration. SPANISH JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2013; 13:75-87. [DOI: 10.1017/s1138741600003681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Interindividual variability in vocabulary, sentence comprehension and working memory is studied in older people with mild cognitive impairment, very low cognitive impairment and normal state, according to the Mini Examen Cognoscitivo (MEC). In the study participated 71 seniors, aged between 62 to 90 years of age, with low instructional level (from one to five years of regular education). Variability measures were calculated in a test of lexical knowledge, another of working memory, and also in one of sentence comprehension.The results obtained using a polynomial regression analysis of the absolute residual scores on the MEC, showed that: (a) variability increases in a linear fashion as the MEC score decreases in the case of nouns, and sentences with one proposition that do not follow the canonical order of constituents in Spanish; (b) Performance on the simpler sentences (one proposition and canonical order) and in the most complex ones (two propositions and non-canonical order) variability showed a change in its trend from MEC scores that indicate cognitive deterioration; (c) In relation to performance on the verbs, variability’s change of trend is not linked to cognitive deterioration. We discuss the results in terms of the utility of these measures as potential indicators of cognitive impairment.
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Wisdom NM, Mignogna J, Collins RL. Variability in Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-IV Subtest Performance Across Age. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2012; 27:389-97. [DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acs041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Goral M, Clark-Cotton M, Spiro A, Obler LK, Verkuilen J, Albert ML. The contribution of set switching and working memory to sentence processing in older adults. Exp Aging Res 2012; 37:516-38. [PMID: 22091580 DOI: 10.1080/0361073x.2011.619858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluates the involvement of switching skills and working-memory capacity in auditory sentence processing in older adults. The authors examined 241 healthy participants, aged 55 to 88 years, who completed four neuropsychological tasks and two sentence-processing tasks. In addition to age and the expected contribution of working memory, switching ability, as measured by the number of perseverative errors on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, emerged as a strong predictor of performance on both sentence-processing tasks. Individuals with both low working-memory spans and more perseverative errors achieved the lowest accuracy scores. These findings are consistent with compensatory accounts of successful performance in older age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mira Goral
- Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences, Lehman College, and The Graduate School and University Center, The City University of New York, New York, USA.
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Reilly J, Troche J, Chatel A, Park H, Kalinyak-Fliszar M, Antonucci SM, Martin N. Lexicality Effects in Word and Nonword Recall of Semantic Dementia and Progressive Nonfluent Aphasia. APHASIOLOGY 2012; 26:404-427. [PMID: 23486736 PMCID: PMC3593303 DOI: 10.1080/02687038.2011.616926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Verbal working memory is an essential component of many language functions, including sentence comprehension and word learning. As such, working memory has emerged as a domain of intense research interest both in aphasiology and in the broader field of cognitive neuroscience. The integrity of verbal working memory encoding relies on a fluid interaction between semantic and phonological processes. That is, we encode verbal detail using many cues related to both the sound and meaning of words. Lesion models can provide an effective means of parsing the contributions of phonological or semantic impairment to recall performance. METHODS AND PROCEDURES We employed the lesion model approach here by contrasting the nature of lexicality errors incurred during recall of word and nonword sequences by 3individuals with progressive nonfluent aphasia (a phonological dominant impairment) compared to that of 2 individuals with semantic dementia (a semantic dominant impairment). We focused on psycholinguistic attributes of correctly recalled stimuli relative to those that elicited a lexicality error (i.e., nonword → word OR word → nonword). OUTCOMES AND RESULTS Patients with semantic dementia showed greater sensitivity to phonological attributes (e.g., phoneme length, wordlikeness) of the target items relative to semantic attributes (e.g., familiarity). Patients with PNFA showed the opposite pattern, marked by sensitivity to word frequency, age of acquisition, familiarity, and imageability. CONCLUSIONS We interpret these results in favor of a processing strategy such that in the context of a focal phonological impairment patients revert to an over-reliance on preserved semantic processing abilities. In contrast, a focal semantic impairment forces both reliance upon and hypersensitivity to phonological attributes of target words. We relate this interpretation to previous hypotheses about the nature of verbal short-term memory in progressive aphasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Reilly
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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Abstract
Research on working memory has suggested domain-specific components for visual, verbal, and spatial information, and more recently for emotion. Affective working memory has been proposed as the set of processes involved in the maintenance of emotions to guide behaviour. The current study examined the reliability of an emotion maintenance/affective working memory task over two experimental sessions separated by one week. Subjective accuracy based on individual ratings was found to correlate over time and was highest for negatively valenced pictures. Results suggest that this paradigm is a reliable measure of emotion maintenance, underscoring the utility of this measure as an assessment tool for normative and clinical populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Broome
- Department of Psychology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
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Computerized assessment of syntactic complexity in Alzheimer’s disease: a case study of Iris Murdoch’s writing. Behav Res Methods 2010; 43:136-44. [DOI: 10.3758/s13428-010-0037-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Hochstadt J. Set-shifting and the on-line processing of relative clauses in Parkinson's disease: Results from a novel eye-tracking method. Cortex 2009; 45:991-1011. [PMID: 19473654 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2009.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2008] [Revised: 03/18/2009] [Accepted: 03/24/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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48
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Lingering effects of inattention on the recognition of novel forms. Memory 2009; 17:687-94. [PMID: 19585347 DOI: 10.1080/09658210903045095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Two experiments are reported in which participants were instructed to attend to one of two overlapping figures and report how distinctive it was (Experiment 1), or how angular it was or what it resembled (Experiment 2). Tests of recognition memory indicated that recognition of the unattended figures was below chance, consistent with the conclusion that an implicit memory of the unattended figures and an "action tag" to not respond to the figures combine at recognition to suppress positive identification. Furthermore, participants that scored high on an index of working memory ability showed worse memory for the unattended shapes, suggesting that the ability to control attention not only enhances memory for attended items, but also leads to greater suppression of unattended distractors.
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Wells JB, Christiansen MH, Race DS, Acheson DJ, MacDonald MC. Experience and sentence processing: statistical learning and relative clause comprehension. Cogn Psychol 2009; 58:250-71. [PMID: 18922516 PMCID: PMC2621112 DOI: 10.1016/j.cogpsych.2008.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2006] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Many explanations of the difficulties associated with interpreting object relative clauses appeal to the demands that object relatives make on working memory. MacDonald and Christiansen [MacDonald, M. C., & Christiansen, M. H. (2002). Reassessing working memory: Comment on Just and Carpenter (1992) and Waters and Caplan (1996). Psychological Review, 109, 35-54] pointed to variations in reading experience as a source of differences, arguing that the unique word order of object relatives makes their processing more difficult and more sensitive to the effects of previous experience than the processing of subject relatives. This hypothesis was tested in a large-scale study manipulating reading experiences of adults over several weeks. The group receiving relative clause experience increased reading speeds for object relatives more than for subject relatives, whereas a control experience group did not. The reading time data were compared to performance of a computational model given different amounts of experience. The results support claims for experience-based individual differences and an important role for statistical learning in sentence comprehension processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine B Wells
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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Siegle GJ, Ichikawa N, Steinhauer S. Blink before and after you think: blinks occur prior to and following cognitive load indexed by pupillary responses. Psychophysiology 2008; 45:679-87. [PMID: 18665867 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8986.2008.00681.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Pupil dilation and blinks provide complementary, mutually exclusive indices of information processing. Though each index is associated with cognitive load, the occurrence of a blink precludes the measurement of pupil diameter. These indices have generally been assessed in independent literatures. We examine the extent to which these measures are related on two cognitive tasks using a novel method that quantifies the proportion of trials on which blinks occur at each sample acquired during the trial. This measure allows cross-correlation of continuous pupil-dilation and blink waveforms. Results indicate that blinks occur during early sensory processing and following sustained information processing. Pupil dilation better reflects sustained information processing. Together these indices provide a rich picture of the time course of information processing, from early reactivity through sustained cognition, and after stimulus-related cognition ends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg J Siegle
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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