Factors Explaining Language Performance After Training in Elders With and Without Subjective Cognitive Decline

Cognitive and structural predictors of novel task learning, and contextual predictors of time series of daily task performance during the learning period

Investigation into methods of addressing cognitive loss exhibited later in life is of paramount importance to the field of cognitive aging. The field continues to make significant strides in designing efficacious cognitive interventions to mitigate cognitive decline, and the very act of learning a demanding task has been implicated as a potential mechanism of augmenting cognition in both the field of cognitive intervention and studies of cognitive reserve. The present study examines individual-level predictors of complex skill learning and day-to-day performance on a gamified working memory updating task, the BirdWatch Game, intended for use as a cognitive intervention tool in older adults. A measure of verbal episodic memory and the volume of a brain region involved in verbal working memory and cognitive control (the left inferior frontal gyrus) were identified as predictors of learning rates on the BirdWatch Game. These two neuro-cognitive measures were more predictive of learning when considered in conjunction than when considered separately, indicating a complementary effect. Additionally, auto-regressive time series forecasting analyses were able to identify meaningful daily predictors (that is, mood, stress, busyness, and hours of sleep) of performance-over-time on the BirdWatch Game in 50% of cases, with the specific pattern of contextual influences on performance being highly idiosyncratic between participants. These results highlight the specific contribution of language processing and cognitive control abilities to the learning of the novel task examined in this study, as well as the variability of subject-level influences on task performance during task learning.

Prognostic Factors and Models for Changes in Cognitive Performance After Multi-Domain Cognitive Training in Healthy Older Adults: A Systematic Review

Background: Cognitive Training (CT) may contribute to the maintenance and even enhancement of cognitive functions in healthy older adults. However, the question who benefits most from multi-domain CTs is still highly under-investigated.

Objective: The goal is to investigate prognostic factors and models for changes in cognitive test performance in healthy older adults after a multi-domain CT.

Methods: The data bases MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection, CENTRAL, and PsycInfo were searched up to July 2019. Studies investigating prognostic factors and/or models on cognitive outcomes (global cognition, memory, attention, executive functions, language, visuo-spatial abilities) after conducting a multi-domain CT in healthy older adults were included. Risk of Bias was assessed using the QUIPS and the PROBAST tool.

Results: 23 prognostic factor and model studies were included. Results indicate a high heterogeneity regarding the conducted multi-domain CTs, the investigated prognostic factors, the investigated outcomes, and the used statistical approaches. Age and neuropsychological performance at study entry were the most investigated predictors, yet they show inconsistent results.

Conclusion: Data on prognostic factors and models of changes after multi-domain CT are still too rare and inconsistent to draw clear conclusions due to statistical shortcomings and low reporting quality. Approaches for future research are outlined.

Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, ID: CRD42020147531

Propiedades psicométricas y datos normativos de la prueba ECCO_Senior: un instrumento para evaluar la comprensión gramatical en adultos mayores

El test ECCO_Senior se diseñó para evaluar la comprensión de oraciones en adultos mayores. Es una prueba corta y de fácil aplicación, que se ha empleado en distintos estudios previos. En el estudio participaron 670 personas, de 50 a 85 años de edad, que cumplían criterios de inclusión relativos al estatus cognitivo general, el estado de ánimo y porcentaje mínimo de aciertos en el test. Además de los test de cribado (MEC y GDS-15) y un cuestionario socio-demográfico, se aplicó a todos los participantes el test ECCO_Senior con el que se pueden obtener distintos índices (generales y específicos). Además de comprobar si existen diferencias entre los grupos según la edad y el nivel educativo, se evaluaron las propiedades psicométricas del test, incluyendo evidencias de validez en las que se probó la bondad de ajuste de tres modelos estructurales que sirven para identificar los índices que explican un mayor porcentaje de la varianza del constructo (comprensión de oraciones). Se ofrecen normas interpretativas del test por edad y nivel de estudios en los Apéndices. Los resultados indican que el test permite evaluar la comprensión de oraciones con una fiabilidad adecuada y es sensible a las dificultades que puede experimentar un adulto al realizar esta tarea. Los tres modelos muestran un buen ajuste y permiten concluir que las oraciones no ajustadas al orden sintáctico canónico y los distractores léxicos (si se considera el tipo de ítem) serían los mejores indicadores en términos del porcentaje de la varianza del constructo que explican.