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Wang C, Cheng R, Yang W, Qiu L, Liu H. Episodic memory network characteristics in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment accompanied by executive function impairment. Brain Behav 2024; 14:e3601. [PMID: 38898628 PMCID: PMC11186851 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3601] [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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the functional connectivity (FC) characteristics of the episodic memory network (EMN) in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) patients with different levels of executive function (EF). METHODS This study included 76 participants from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database, comprising 23 healthy controls (HCs) and 53 aMCI patients. Based on EF levels, aMCI patients were categorized into aMCI-highEF and aMCI-lowEF groups. Cognitive function scores, pathological markers (cerebrospinal fluid β-amyloid, total tau protein, phosphorylated tau protein, AV45-PET, and FDG-PET), and functional magnetic resonance imaging were collected and compared among the three groups. Seed-based FC analysis was used to examine differences in the EMN among the groups, and partial correlation analysis was employed to investigate the relationship between changes in FC and cognitive function scores as well as pathological markers. RESULTS Compared to the aMCI-highEF group, the aMCI-lowEF group exhibited more severe cognitive impairment, decreased cerebral glucose metabolism, and elevated AV45 levels. Significant FC differences in the left superior temporal gyrus (STG) of the EMN were observed among the three groups. Post hoc analysis revealed that the aMCI-lowEF group had increased FC in the left STG compared to the HCs and aMCI-highEF groups, with statistically significant differences. Correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation between the differences in FC in the left STG of aMCI-highEF and aMCI-lowEF groups and Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test forgetting scores. Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis indicated an area under the curve of 0.741 for distinguishing between aMCI-highEF and aMCI-lowEF groups based on FC of left STG, with a sensitivity of 0.808 and a specificity of 0.667. CONCLUSION aMCI-lowEF exhibits characteristic changes in FC within the EMN, providing theoretical support for the role of EF in mediating EMN alterations and, consequently, impacting episodic memory function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- Department of RadiologyTianjin Baodi Hospital, Baodi Clinical College of Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Rukun Cheng
- Department of CardiologyThe Third Central Hospital of TianjinTianjinChina
| | - Wenhao Yang
- Department of RadiologyTianjing Gong An HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Lin Qiu
- Department of RadiologyLiyang People's HospitalChangzhouChina
| | - Haifeng Liu
- Department of RadiologyTianjin Baodi Hospital, Baodi Clinical College of Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjinChina
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Boa Sorte Silva NC, Ten Brinke LF, Bielak AAM, Handy TC, Liu-Ambrose T. Improved intraindividual variability in cognitive performance following cognitive and exercise training in older adults. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2024; 30:328-338. [PMID: 37860873 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617723000577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Increased intraindividual variability (IIV) of cognitive performance is a marker of cognitive decline in older adults. Whether computerized cognitive training (CCT) and aerobic exercise counteracts cognitive decline by reducing IIV is unknown. We investigated the effects of CCT with or without aerobic exercise on IIV in older adults. METHODS This was a secondary analysis of an 8-week randomized controlled trial. Older adults (aged 65-85 years) were randomized to CCT alone (n = 41), CCT with aerobic exercise (n = 41), or an active control group (n = 42). The CCT group trained using the Fit Brains® platform 3×/week for 1 hr (plus 3×/week of home-based training). The CCT with aerobic exercise group received 15 min of walking plus 45 min of Fit Brains® 3×/week (plus 3×/week of home-based training). The control group received sham exercise and cognitive training (3×/week for 1 hr). We computed reaction time IIV from the Dimensional Change Card Sort Test, Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention Test (Flanker), and Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test (PACPS). RESULTS Compared with the control group, IIV reduced in a processing speed task (PACPS) following CCT alone (mean difference [95% confidence interval]: -0.144 [-0.255 to -0.034], p < 0.01) and CCT with aerobic exercise (-0.113 [-0.225 to -0.001], p < 0.05). Attention (Flanker congruent) IIV was reduced only after CCT with aerobic exercise (-0.130 [-0.242 to -0.017], p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS A CCT program promoted cognitive health via reductions in IIV of cognitive performance and combining it with aerobic exercise may result in broader benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nárlon C Boa Sorte Silva
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Aging SMART, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lisanne F Ten Brinke
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Allison A M Bielak
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Todd C Handy
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Teresa Liu-Ambrose
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Aging SMART, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Caballero HS, McFall GP, Gee M, MacDonald S, Phillips NA, Fogarty J, Montero-Odasso M, Camicioli R, Dixon RA. Cognitive Speed in Neurodegenerative Disease: Comparing Mean Rate and Inconsistency Within and Across the Alzheimer's and Lewy Body Spectra in the COMPASS-ND Study. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 100:579-601. [PMID: 38875040 DOI: 10.3233/jad-240210] [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: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Lewy body disease (LBD) are characterized by early and gradual worsening perturbations in speeded cognitive responses. Objective Using simple and choice reaction time tasks, we compared two indicators of cognitive speed within and across the AD and LBD spectra: mean rate (average reaction time across trials) and inconsistency (within person variability). Methods The AD spectrum cohorts included subjective cognitive impairment (SCI, n = 28), mild cognitive impairment (MCI, n = 121), and AD (n = 45) participants. The LBD spectrum included Parkinson's disease (PD, n = 32), mild cognitive impairment in PD (PD-MCI, n = 21), and LBD (n = 18) participants. A cognitively unimpaired (CU, n = 39) cohort served as common benchmark. We conducted multivariate analyses of variance and discrimination analyses. Results Within the AD spectrum, the AD cohort was slower and more inconsistent than the CU, SCI, and MCI cohorts. The MCI cohort was slower than the CU cohort. Within the LBD spectrum, the LBD cohort was slower and more inconsistent than the CU, PD, and PD-MCI cohorts. The PD-MCI cohort was slower than the CU and PD cohorts. In cross-spectra (corresponding cohort) comparisons, the LBD cohort was slower and more inconsistent than the AD cohort. The PD-MCI cohort was slower than the MCI cohort. Discrimination analyses clarified the group difference patterns. Conclusions For both speed tasks, mean rate and inconsistency demonstrated similar sensitivity to spectra-related comparisons. Both dementia cohorts were slower and more inconsistent than each of their respective non-dementia cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Sebastian Caballero
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - G Peggy McFall
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Myrlene Gee
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Stuart MacDonald
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Richard Camicioli
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Roger A Dixon
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Kimura N, Hirano D, Yano H, Taniguchi K, Taniguchi T. Relationship between reaction time variability on go/no go tasks and neuropsychological functioning in younger and older adults. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2023; 45:905-914. [PMID: 38368621 DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2024.2319266] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Early detection of cognitive impairment in older adults is important for the prevention of dementia. Intra-individual variability in reaction time (IIV-RT) during go/no-go tasks can be used for the early detection of cognitive impairment in older adults living in the community. This study aimed to determine the relationship between IIV-RT and cognitive function during go/no-go tasks and the cutoff values for determining the risk of cognitive impairment in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS This study included 31 older adults without cognitive impairment, 15 community-dwelling older adults with cognitive impairment, and 34 healthy young adults. All participants performed a go/no-go task to assess the IIV-RT. Additionally, older adults underwent neuropsychological testing. Based on the results of the Japanese version of the Montreal Test of Cognitive Abilities (MoCA-J), older adults were divided into those with normal cognition and those with cognitive impairment. RESULTS There were significant differences in the IIV-RT among groups, including a higher IIV in the cognitively impaired group than in young adults and cognitively normal older adults. Moreover, the IIV-RT was correlated with the MoCA-J (r = -0.531, p < 0.001), Trail Making Test Part A (r = 0.571, p < 0.001), and Verbal Fluency Test scores (r = -0.442, p = 0.002). Receiver operating curve analysis showed that the area under the curve for IIV-RT was 0.935, and the cutoff value at which the IIV-RT identified cognitive impairment was 25.37%. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that the IIV-RT during go/no-go tasks is a useful early indicator of cognitive impairment in community-dwelling older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naotoshi Kimura
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences at Narita, International University of Health and Welfare, Chiba, Japan
| | - Daisuke Hirano
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare, Tochigi, Japan
- Graduate School of Health and Welfare Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hana Yano
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Keita Taniguchi
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Keio University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takamichi Taniguchi
- Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences at Narita, International University of Health and Welfare, Chiba, Japan
- Graduate School of Health and Welfare Sciences, International University of Health and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan
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Nguyen TM, Leow AD, Ajilore O. A Review on Smartphone Keystroke Dynamics as a Digital Biomarker for Understanding Neurocognitive Functioning. Brain Sci 2023; 13:959. [PMID: 37371437 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13060959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Can digital technologies provide a passive unobtrusive means to observe and study cognition outside of the laboratory? Previously, cognitive assessments and monitoring were conducted in a laboratory or clinical setting, allowing for a cross-sectional glimpse of cognitive states. In the last decade, researchers have been utilizing technological advances and devices to explore ways of assessing cognition in the real world. We propose that the virtual keyboard of smartphones, an increasingly ubiquitous digital device, can provide the ideal conduit for passive data collection to study cognition. Passive data collection occurs without the active engagement of a participant and allows for near-continuous, objective data collection. Most importantly, this data collection can occur in the real world, capturing authentic datapoints. This method of data collection and its analyses provide a more comprehensive and potentially more suitable insight into cognitive states, as intra-individual cognitive fluctuations over time have shown to be an early manifestation of cognitive decline. We review different ways passive data, centered around keystroke dynamics, collected from smartphones, have been used to assess and evaluate cognition. We also discuss gaps in the literature where future directions of utilizing passive data can continue to provide inferences into cognition and elaborate on the importance of digital data privacy and consent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa M Nguyen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Alex D Leow
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
- Department of Computer Science, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Olusola Ajilore
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Cho H, Pilloni G, Tahsin R, Best P, Krupp L, Oh C, Charvet L. Moving intra-individual variability (IIV) towards clinical utility: IIV measured using a commercial testing platform. J Neurol Sci 2023; 446:120586. [PMID: 36812823 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2023.120586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Intra-individual variability (IIV), measured across repeated response times (RT) during continuous psychomotor tasks, is an early marker of cognitive change in the context of neurodegeneration. To advance IIV towards broader application in clinical research, we evaluated IIV from a commercial cognitive testing platform and compared it to the calculation approaches used in experimental cognitive studies. METHODS Cognitive assessment was administered in participants with multiple sclerosis (MS) during the baseline of an unrelated study. Cogstate was used for computer-based measures providing three timed-trial tasks measuring simple (Detection; DET) and choice (Identification; IDN) RT and working memory (One-Back; ONB). IIV for each task was automatically output by the program (calculated as a log10-transformed standard deviation or "LSD"). We calculated IIV from the raw RTs using coefficient of variation (CoV), regression-based, and ex-Gaussian methods. The IIV from each calculation was then compared by rank across participants. RESULTS A total of n = 120 participants with MS aged 20-72 (Mean ± SD, 48.99 ± 12.09) completed the baseline cognitive measures. For each task, the interclass correlation coefficient was generated. Each ICC showed that LSD, CoV, ex-Gaussian, and regression methods clustered strongly (Average ICC for DET: 0.95 with 95% CI [0.93, 0.96]; Average ICC for IDN: 0.92 with 95% CI [0.88 to 0.93]; Average ICC for ONB: 0.93 with 95% CI [0.90 to 0.94]). Correlational analyses indicated the strongest correlation between LSD and CoV for all tasks (rs ≥ 0.94). CONCLUSION The LSD was consistent with research-based methods for IIV calculations. These findings support the use of LSD for the future measurement of IIV for clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyein Cho
- NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, USA
| | - Giuseppina Pilloni
- NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, USA; NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Parekh Center for Interdisciplinary Neurology, USA
| | - Raisa Tahsin
- NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, USA
| | - Pamela Best
- NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, USA
| | - Lauren Krupp
- NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, USA; NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Parekh Center for Interdisciplinary Neurology, USA
| | - Cheongeun Oh
- NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Population Health and Environmental Medicine, USA
| | - Leigh Charvet
- NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, USA; NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Parekh Center for Interdisciplinary Neurology, USA.
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Weber D, Krieger F, Spinath FM, Greiff S, Hissbach J, Becker N. A Log File Analysis on the Validity of Partial Solutions in Figural Matrices Tests. J Intell 2023; 11:jintelligence11020037. [PMID: 36826935 PMCID: PMC9961547 DOI: 10.3390/jintelligence11020037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
As a component of many intelligence test batteries, figural matrices tests are an effective way to assess reasoning, which is considered a core ability of intelligence. Traditionally, the sum of correct items is used as a performance indicator (total solution procedure). However, recent advances in the development of computer-based figural matrices tests allow additional indicators to be considered for scoring. In two studies, we focused on the added value of a partial solution procedure employing log file analyses from a computer-based figural matrices test. In the first study (n = 198), we explored the internal validity of this procedure by applying both an exploratory bottom-up approach (using sequence analyses) and a complementary top-down approach (using rule jumps, an indicator taken from relevant studies). Both approaches confirmed that higher scores in the partial solution procedure were associated with higher structuredness in participants' response behavior. In the second study (n = 169), we examined the external validity by correlating the partial solution procedure in addition to the total solution procedure with a Grade Point Average (GPA) criterion. The partial solution procedure showed an advantage over the total solution procedure in predicting GPA, especially at lower ability levels. The implications of the results and their applicability to other tests are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Weber
- Department of Individual Differences & Psychodiagnostics, Saarland University, Campus A1 3, D-66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Florian Krieger
- Department of Methods of Educational Research, TU Dortmund University, Emil-Figge-Straße 50, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Frank M. Spinath
- Department of Individual Differences & Psychodiagnostics, Saarland University, Campus A1 3, D-66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Samuel Greiff
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences, University of Luxembourg, 4366 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Johanna Hissbach
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, D-20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nicolas Becker
- Department of Individual Differences & Psychodiagnostics, Greifswald University, Franz-Mehring-Str. 57, D-17489 Greifswald, Germany
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Rabi R, Chow R, Paracha S, Hasher L, Gardner S, Anderson ND, Alain C. Time of Day Effects on Inhibitory Functioning: Cognitive and Neural Evidence of Sundowning in Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment. J Alzheimers Dis 2022; 90:869-890. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-220580] [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]
Abstract
Background: Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), a prodromal phase of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), is characterized by episodic memory dysfunction, but inhibitory deficits have also been commonly reported. Time of day (TOD) effects have been confirmed in 1) healthy aging on cognitive processes such as inhibitory control, and 2) on behavior in AD (termed the sundowning effect), but no such research has addressed aMCI. Objective: The present study examined the impact of TOD on the behavioral and electrophysiological correlates of inhibition in 54 individuals with aMCI and 52 healthy controls (HCs), all of morning chronotype. Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to complete two inhibition tasks (Go-NoGo and Flanker) during their optimal (morning) or non-optimal (evening) TOD, while electroencephalography was recorded. Results: Both tasks elicited changes in N2 and P3 event-related potential (ERP) components, which commonly index inhibitory functioning. Analyses showed that the Go-NoGo difference in P3 amplitude was reduced in individuals with aMCI relative to HCs. Compared to HCs, the Flanker difference in P3 amplitude was also reduced and coincided with more errors in the aMCI group. Notably, these behavioral and ERP differences were exaggerated in the non-optimal TOD relative to the optimal TOD. Conclusion: Findings confirm the presence of inhibition deficits in aMCI and provide novel evidence of sundowning effects on inhibitory control in aMCI. Results reinforce the need to consider the influences of TOD in clinical assessments involving individuals with aMCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahel Rabi
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ricky Chow
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shahier Paracha
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lynn Hasher
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sandra Gardner
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Biostatistics Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicole D. Anderson
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Claude Alain
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Disrupted Value-Directed Strategic Processing in Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment: Behavioral and Neural Correlates. Geriatrics (Basel) 2022; 7:geriatrics7030056. [PMID: 35645279 PMCID: PMC9149834 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics7030056] [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: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Value-directed strategic processing involves attending to higher-value information while inhibiting lower-value information. This preferential processing is relatively preserved in cognitively normal older adults but is impaired in individuals with dementia. No studies have investigated whether value-directed strategic processing is disrupted in earlier stages of cognitive decline, namely, mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The current study examined behavioral and EEG differences in value-directed strategic processing between 18 individuals with MCI and 18 cognitively normal older controls using a value-directed list learning task. Behaviorally, individuals with MCI recalled fewer total and high-value words compared to controls, but no group differences were observed in low-value word recall. Neurally, individuals with MCI had reduced theta synchronization relative to controls between 100 and 200 ms post-stimulus. Greater alpha desynchronization was observed for high- versus low-value words between 300 and 400 ms in controls but not in the MCI group. The groups showed some processing similarities, with greater theta synchronization for low-value words between 700 and 800 ms and greater alpha desynchronization for high-value words between 500 and 1100 ms. Overall, value-directed strategic processing was compromised in individuals with MCI on both behavioral and neural measures relative to controls. These findings add to the growing body of literature on differences between typical cognitive aging and MCI.
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Rabi R, Chow R, Paracha S, Hasher L, Gardner S, Anderson ND, Alain C. The Effects of Aging and Time of Day on Inhibitory Control: An Event-Related Potential Study. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:821043. [PMID: 35360220 PMCID: PMC8963784 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.821043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Time of day (TOD) influences on executive functions have been widely reported, with greater efficiency demonstrated at optimal relative to non-optimal TOD according to one’s chronotype (i.e., synchrony effect). Older adults (OAs) show declines in inhibitory control and are more sensitive to the effects of circadian variation on executive functioning. To date, no studies have investigated the effects of TOD and aging on executive functioning using electrophysiological measures. The present study investigated the effects of aging and TOD on the neural correlates of inhibitory processing (N2 and P3) using event-related potentials (ERPs). Go-NoGo and Flanker tasks were administered to 52 OAs of morning chronotype and 51 younger adults (YAs) of afternoon-to-evening chronotype who were randomly assigned to morning or afternoon test sessions, with the optimal TOD for OAs in the morning and for YAs in the afternoon/evening. While behavioral results demonstrated no TOD effects, ERPs indicated synchrony effects. Both YAs and OAs showed greater modulation of Go-NoGo N2 and greater P3 amplitude during the non-optimal than optimal TOD, consistent with the synchrony effect. For the Flanker task, age differences in P3 amplitude were only apparent during the non-optimal TOD. These results suggest that processes associated with inhibitory control are differentially affected by TOD and aging, with age-related reductions in inhibitory efficiency during off-peak test times on measures of interference control. These findings highlight the sensitivity of ERPs to detect TOD effects in the absence of behavioral differences, confirm more pronounced TOD effects in OAs relative to YAs on ERP measures of interference control, and reinforce the need to assess and control for circadian typology in research studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahel Rabi
- Baycrest Centre, Rotman Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ricky Chow
- Baycrest Centre, Rotman Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shahier Paracha
- Baycrest Centre, Rotman Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lynn Hasher
- Baycrest Centre, Rotman Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sandra Gardner
- Baycrest Centre, Rotman Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Biostatistics Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nicole D. Anderson
- Baycrest Centre, Rotman Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Claude Alain
- Baycrest Centre, Rotman Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Claude Alain,
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Corbo I, Casagrande M. Higher-Level Executive Functions in Healthy Elderly and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11051204. [PMID: 35268294 PMCID: PMC8911402 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11051204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a clinical syndrome characterized by a moderate decline in one or more cognitive functions with a preserved autonomy in daily life activities. MCI exhibits cognitive, behavioral, psychological symptoms. The executive functions (EFs) are key functions for everyday life and physical and mental health and allow for the behavior to adapt to external changes. Higher-level executive functions develop from basic EFs (inhibition, working memory, attentional control, and cognitive flexibility). They are planning, reasoning, problem solving, and fluid intelligence (Gf). This systematic review investigates the relationship between higher-level executive functions and healthy and pathological aging, assuming the role of executive functions deficits as a predictor of cognitive decline. The systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA Statement. A total of 73 studies were identified. The results indicate that 65.8% of the studies confirm significant EFs alterations in MCI (56.8% planning, 50% reasoning, 100% problem solving, 71.4% fluid intelligence). These results seem to highlight a strong prevalence of higher-level executive functions deficits in MCI elderly than in healthy elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Corbo
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università di Roma Sapienza, 00185 Roma, Italy;
| | - Maria Casagrande
- Dipartimento di Psicologia Dinamica, Clinica e Salute, Università di Roma Sapienza, 00185 Roma, Italy
- Correspondence:
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LaPlume AA, Paterson TSE, Gardner S, Stokes KA, Freedman M, Levine B, Troyer AK, Anderson ND. Interindividual and intraindividual variability in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) measured with an online cognitive assessment. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2021; 43:796-812. [PMID: 34556008 DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2021.1982867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mean cognitive performance is worse in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) compared to control groups. However, studies on variability of cognitive performance in aMCI have yielded inconclusive results, with many differences in variability measures and samples from one study to another. METHODS We examined variability in aMCI using an existing older adult sample (n = 91; 51 with aMCI, 40 with normal cognition for age), measured with an online self-administered computerized cognitive assessment (Cogniciti's Brain Health Assessment). Our methodology extended past findings by using pure measures of variability (controlling for confounding effects of group performance or practice), and a clinically representative aMCI sample (reflecting the continuum of cognitive performance between normal cognition and aMCI). RESULTS Between-group t-tests showed significantly greater between-person variability (interindividual variability or diversity) in overall cognitive performance in aMCI than controls, although the effect size was with a small to moderate effect size, d = 0.44. No significant group differences were found in within-person variability (intraindividual variability) across cognitive tasks (dispersion) or across trials of a response time task (inconsistency), which may be because we used a sample measuring the continuum of cognitive performance. Exploratory correlation analyses showed that a worse overall score was associated with greater inter- and intraindividual variability, and that variability measures were correlated with each other, indicating people with worse cognitive performance were more variable. DISCUSSION The current study demonstrates that self-administered online tests can be used to remotely assess different types of variability in people at risk of Alzheimer`s. Our findings show small but significantly more interindividual differences in people with aMCI. This diversity is considered as "noise" in standard assessments of mean performance, but offers an interesting and cognitively informative "signal" in itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalise A LaPlume
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest (Fully Affiliated with the University of Toronto), Toronto, Canada
| | - Theone S E Paterson
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Victoria, Canada.,Neuropsychology and Cognitive Health Program, Baycrest, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sandra Gardner
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest (Fully Affiliated with the University of Toronto), Toronto, Canada.,Biostatistics Division, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kathryn A Stokes
- Neuropsychology and Cognitive Health Program, Baycrest, Toronto, Canada
| | - Morris Freedman
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest (Fully Affiliated with the University of Toronto), Toronto, Canada.,Division of Neurology, Baycrest, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, Mt. Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Brian Levine
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest (Fully Affiliated with the University of Toronto), Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medicine (Neurology), University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Angela K Troyer
- Neuropsychology and Cognitive Health Program, Baycrest, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Nicole D Anderson
- Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest (Fully Affiliated with the University of Toronto), Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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