scholarly journals Threat-Modulation of Executive Functions—A Novel Biomarker of Depression?

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jari Peräkylä ◽  
Kaija Järventausta ◽  
Piia Haapaniemi ◽  
Joan A. Camprodon ◽  
Kaisa M. Hartikainen
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Emotion Regulation ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Performance Measures ◽  
Cognitive Outcome ◽  
Objective Measures ◽  
Depression Severity ◽  
The Impact

Background: Alterations in executive functions, emotion regulation, and their interaction are common concomitants of depression. Executive dysfunction frequently lingers after treatment, has adverse effects on daily life, and predisposes to recurrence of depression. Yet, sensitive measures of executive function for reliable assessment of cognitive outcomes are still lacking in clinical practice. To better understand the impact of depression and its most effective treatment, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), on cognition, we assessed executive functions pre- and post-ECT and whether objective measures reflecting alterations in emotion–executive function interaction correlate with depression severity or with cognitive outcome.Methods: Executive functions were assessed in 21 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) before and after ECT using subjective measures from the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function—Adult version (BRIEF-A) and objective cognitive performance measures derived from computer-based test of executive function, Executive Reaction Time (RT) Test. In addition, we created novel indices reflecting emotional modulation of cognitive performance by subtracting different performance measures in the context of neutral distractors from those in the context of threat-related distractors. We correlated these indices with Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and BRIEF-A scores.Results: Depression was significantly alleviated, and executive functions improved post-ECT, as seen in reduced BDI scores, BRIEF-A scores, and number of errors in Executive RT Test. Pre-ECT BDI scores correlated with threat modulation of RT (tmRT) and threat modulation of working memory (tmWM). Post-ECT tmRT correlated with several Behavioral Regulation scales and tmWM with several Metacognition scales of BRIEF-A.Conclusion: While caution is warranted, results from both subjective and objective measures suggest that ECT significantly improves executive functions and emotion regulation along with alleviation of depression. Novel indices derived from threat modulation of executive function and working memory show promise as objective biomarkers of depression severity pre-ECT and cognitive outcome post-ECT with potential for guiding depression treatments.

scholarly journals The Impact of Bilingualism on Everyday Executive Functions of English-Arabic Autistic Children: Through a Parent-Teacher Lens

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shereen Sharaan ◽  
Sarah E. MacPherson ◽  
Sue Fletcher-Watson
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Sustained Attention ◽  
Parent Ratings ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Interference Control ◽  
Autistic Children ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThere is evidence that autistic children may have reduced executive function skills, contributing to day-to-day difficulties, but much remains unknown regarding the influence of bilingualism. We investigated its influence on sustained attention, interference control, flexible switching and working memory, in Arabic-English autistic (n = 27) and typically developing peers (n = 53) children, aged 5 to 12 years old. Parents and teachers completed rating measures assessing children’s daily EF abilities. Results showed generalized positive effects for bilingual autistic children relative to their monolingual peers across all EF domains, but using parent ratings only. The findings indicate that bilingualism does not negatively impact the executive function skills of autistic children, and that it might mitigate difficulties faced on a day-to-day basis.

Executive function processes mediate the impact of working memory impairment on intelligence in schizophrenia

2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Wongupparaj ◽  
V. Kumari ◽  
R.G. Morris
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Structural Equation Modelling ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Intellectual Function ◽  
Equation Modelling ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractObjective:The study investigated working memory, executive functions (conceptualized as response inhibition, updating, and shifting), and intelligence in schizophrenia, using structural equation modelling to determine the relationship between working memory and intelligence, testing whether specific executive functions act as a mediator for the association.Method:One hundred and twenty-five individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and 64 healthy participants were included in the study, tested using measures of working memory, intelligence and executive functioning. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to estimate direct and indirect associations between main measures.Results:The schizophrenia group had significantly lower working memory, executive function and intelligence than the healthy group. The relationship between working memory and intelligence was significantly mediated by inhibition, updating and shifting functions.Conclusion:The study indicates a mediating role of executive functions in determining the association between working memory and intellectual function in schizophrenia. It is further proposed that in people with schizophrenia, cognitive remediation approaches targeting working memory through executive functioning may in turn improve intellectual function generally.

scholarly journals Impaired Cognitive Performance in Patients With Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. A84-A85
Author(s):  
Catherine D Zhang ◽  
Sumitabh Singh ◽  
Malavika Suresh ◽  
Andreas Ladefoged Ebbehøj ◽  
Nikki H Stricker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Cortisol Secretion ◽  
Autonomous Cortisol Secretion ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Age And Sex

Abstract Background: Cognitive deficits in memory, language, and executive function have been described in Cushing’s syndrome, but the impact of mild cortisol secretion on cognition is unclear. Rather than overt hypercortisolism, mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) is typically associated with abnormal circadian cortisol production. Aim: To characterize the effect of MACS on cognitive performance. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis as part of an ongoing cohort study in patients with MACS compared to age and sex-matched referent subjects without cortisol excess. MACS was defined as serum cortisol concentration >1.8 mcg/dL after the 1 mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test (DST), in the absence of signs and symptoms of overt Cushing syndrome. We used the National Institute of Health Toolbox Cognition Battery to assess cognitive performance. A series of seven IPad-based tests were administered to evaluate five key domains: 1) executive function, 2) episodic memory, 3) working memory, 4) language, and 5) processing speed. Performance was reported using fully corrected T-scores for age, sex, education, and race with a normative mean of 50 and a standard deviation of 10. T-scores were generated for the individual components as well as three summary measures: 1) fluid cognition (includes executive function, episodic memory, working memory, and processing speed), 2) crystallized cognition (includes language), and 3) total cognition (composite of fluid and crystalized cognition). Results: A total of 23 patients with MACS and 23 age and sex-matched referent subjects without cortisol excess were enrolled. The median age of diagnosis was 63 years (range, 51–81), and 26 (56%) were women. In the MACS cohort, median cortisol following 1 mg DST was 2.6 ug/dL (range, 1.9–13.0) with median ACTH of 8.5 pg/mL (range, 5.0–38.0) and median DHEA-S of 37 mcg/dL (range, 5.0- 141.0). On cognitive assessment, patients with MACS had lower total cognition (T-scores 50 vs. 54, p=0.05) and fluid cognition (T-scores 48 vs. 53, p=0.01) composite scores compared to referent subjects without cortisol excess. In particular, patients with MACS performed worse on tests of executive function (Dimensional Change Card Sort: T-scores 55 vs. 63, p= 0.02 and Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention: T-scores 45 vs. 52, p=0.01). There were no significant differences observed in the remaining individual domains of language, processing speed, working memory, and episodic memory, or crystallized cognition. Conclusions: MACS is associated with impaired total cognition, and in particular, executive function and fluid cognition. These findings suggest that patients with MACS are susceptible to cortisol-mediated changes in the brain. Additional studies should examine the contribution of neuropsychiatric symptoms on cognition in MACS, and possible improvement following treatment for cortisol excess.

Dissociating the Impact of Auditory Access and Language Access in Deaf Children’s Cognitive Development

2020 ◽  
pp. 98-122
Author(s):  
Matthew L. Hall
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Cognitive Development ◽  
Implicit Learning ◽  
Educational Practice ◽  
Verbal Working Memory ◽  
Psychological Theory ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Language Access ◽  
The Impact

Deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children have been claimed to lag behind their hearing peers in various domains of cognitive development, especially in implicit learning, executive function, and working memory. Two major accounts of these deficits have been proposed: one based on a lack of auditory access, and one based on a lack of language access. This chapter reviews these theories in relation to the available evidence and concludes that there is little evidence of direct effects of diminished auditory access on cognitive development that could not also be explained by diminished language access. Specifically, reports of deficits in implicit learning are not broadly replicable. Some differences in executive function do stem from deafness itself but are not necessarily deficits. Where clinically relevant deficits in executive function are observed, they are inconsistent with the predictions of accounts based on auditory access, but consistent with accounts based on language access. Deaf–hearing differences on verbal working memory tasks may indicate problems with perception and/or language, rather than with working memory. Deaf–hearing differences on nonverbal tasks are more consistent with accounts based on language access, but much more study is needed in this area. The chapter concludes by considering the implications of these findings for psychological theory and for clinical/educational practice and by identifying high-priority targets for future research.

scholarly journals Effects of Sport-Based Interventions on Children’s Executive Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 755
Author(s):  
Falonn Contreras-Osorio ◽  
Christian Campos-Jara ◽  
Cristian Martínez-Salazar ◽  
Luis Chirosa-Ríos ◽  
Darío Martínez-García
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Inhibitory Control ◽  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Meta Analyses ◽  
The Impact

One of the most studied aspects of children’s cognitive development is that of the development of the executive function, and research has shown that physical activity has been demonstrated as a key factor in its enhancement. This meta-analysis aims to assess the impact of specific sports interventions on the executive function of children and teenagers. A systematic review was carried out on 1 November 2020 to search for published scientific evidence that analysed different sports programs that possibly affected executive function in students. Longitudinal studies, which assessed the effects of sports interventions on subjects between 6 and 18 years old, were identified through a systematic search of the four principal electronic databases: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO. A total of eight studies, with 424 subjects overall, met the inclusion criteria and were classified based on one or more of the following categories: working memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility. The random-effects model for meta-analyses was performed with RevMan version 5.3 to facilitate the analysis of the studies. Large effect sizes were found in all categories: working memory (ES −1.25; 95% CI −1.70; −0.79; p < 0.0001); inhibitory control (ES −1.30; 95% CI −1.98; −0.63; p < 0.00001); and cognitive flexibility (ES −1.52; 95% CI −2.20; −0.83; p < 0.00001). Our analysis concluded that healthy children and teenagers should be encouraged to practice sports in order to improve their executive function at every stage of their development.

scholarly journals Publisher Correction to: BRAINSTORMING: A study protocol for a randomised double-blind clinical trial to assess the impact of concurrent brain stimulation (tDCS) and working memory training on cognitive performance in Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Assecondi ◽  
Rong Hu ◽  
Gail Eskes ◽  
Michelle Read ◽  
Chris Griffiths ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Acquired Brain Injury ◽  
Working Memory Training ◽  
Memory Training ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Clinical Trial ◽  
The Impact

Following publication of the original article [1], the authors flagged that the article had published with the Acknowledgements erroneously excluded from the declarations at the end of the article.

scholarly journals Association of Sleep Quality on Memory-Related Executive Functions in Middle Age

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brinda K. Rana ◽  
Matthew S. Panizzon ◽  
Carol E. Franz ◽  
Kelly M. Spoon ◽  
Kristen C. Jacobson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Episodic Memory ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Executive Functions ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Set Shifting ◽  
Interference Control ◽  
Visual Spatial ◽  
Increased Risk

AbstractObjectives: Sleep quality affects memory and executive function in older adults, but little is known about its effects in midlife. If it affects cognition in midlife, it may be a modifiable factor for later-life functioning. Methods: We examined the association between sleep quality and cognition in 1220 middle-aged male twins (age 51–60 years) from the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging. We interviewed participants with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and tested them for episodic memory as well as executive functions of inhibitory and interference control, updating in working memory, and set shifting. Interference control was assessed during episodic memory, inhibitory control during working memory, and non-memory conditions and set shifting during working memory and non-memory conditions. Results: After adjusting for covariates and correcting for multiple comparisons, sleep quality was positively associated with updating in working memory, set shifting in the context of working memory, and better visual-spatial (but not verbal) episodic memory, and at trend level, with interference control in the context of episodic memory. Conclusions: Sleep quality was associated with visual-spatial recall and possible resistance to proactive/retroactive interference. It was also associated with updating in working memory and with set shifting, but only when working memory demands were relatively high. Thus, effects of sleep quality on midlife cognition appear to be at the intersection of executive function and memory processes. Subtle deficits in these age-susceptible cognitive functions may indicate increased risk for decline in cognitive abilities later in life that might be reduced by improved midlife sleep quality. (JINS, 2018, 24, 67–76)

Influence of tumor site on cognitive deficits in children with cerebellar tumors at diagnosis

2006 ◽  
Vol 24 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 9045-9045
Author(s):  
R. Riccardi ◽  
L. Peruzzi ◽  
L. Iuvone ◽  
C. Colosimo ◽  
G. Tamburrini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functions ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
Neurological Examination ◽  
Cognitive Deficits ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Cognitive Outcome ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Cerebellar Hemisphere ◽  
Cerebellar Tumor ◽  
The Impact

9045 Background: Children with cerebellar tumor are at risk for cognitive deficits (CD) depending on surgery and radiotherapy. Only few studies analyze the role of tumor itself in mental functioning (Ellenberg et al., ‘87). Data about neuropsychological organization before any treatment are essential to understand the effect of tumor and have a baseline for analyzing the negative impact of the different treatments in the CD. Aim of this study is to prospectively analyze cognitive functions before treatment in patients (pts) with cerebellar tumors. Methods: Twenty-five pts with cerebellar tumor were assessed at diagnosis.Children with previous and severe neurological disturbances neurological were excluded. Intelligence quotient (IQ) and sectorial cognitive abilities (memory, attention, language, visuospatial and executive functions) were evaluated. Neurological examination (BUSPAR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed in the same period of cognitive assessment. Neurological deficits were classified as major, mild or absent in relation with the results of BUSPAR. Results: Twenty pts were selected; males/females: 12/8; age: 7.6 years (range: 18 m-14.8 y); histhology: pilocytic astrocytoma (9 pts), medulloblastoma (9), ependymoma (1) and atypical teratoid-rabdoid (1); tumor location: right cerebellar hemisphere (4), left (4), vermal (12); neurological examination: major neurological signs (2 pts), mild (10), absent (6); hydrocephalus: 50% of pts. Three pts had IQ values below the average level, although mean IQ values were normal (mean: 99.6; range: 78–118). Sixteen/20 pts had selective CD mainly involving working memory, executive functions, attention, and visual motor integration. Language processing was defective in 6 pts (2/4 right-sides lesions, 4/12 vermal lesion). Conclusions: Sectorial CD are present before treatment in about 80% of pts, mainly related to the location of tumor. Preliminar data suggest a correlation between specific sites inside cerebellum and selective CD, with language problems mainly in right hemispheric tumor. Complex cognitive impairment was present in 15% of pts before treatment. These data will represent the baseline for further analysis about the impact of treatment on cognitive outcome. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

scholarly journals Moyamoya disease: functional and neurocognitive outcomes in the pediatric and adult populations

2011 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. E21 ◽  
Author(s):  
David G. Weinberg ◽  
Rudy J. Rahme ◽  
Salah G. Aoun ◽  
H. Hunt Batjer ◽  
Bernard R. Bendok
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Moyamoya Disease ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Cognitive Outcome ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Impact

Object Moyamoya disease is an occlusive cerebrovascular disorder commonly resulting in neurocognitive impairment. The cognitive outcome parameters commonly affected are intelligence, memory, executive function, and quality of life. In this paper, the authors review the existing literature on cognitive and clinical outcomes in adult and pediatric moyamoya populations separately. Methods A systematic review of the cognitive and clinical outcome literature was performed using the PubMed/MEDLINE database. Outcomes data were contrasted between adult and pediatric populations. Results Intelligence is the main cognitive outcome parameter affected in pediatric patients with moyamoya disease, whereas adults most commonly suffer from executive function impairment. Memory has not been studied sufficiently in pediatric patients, and its dysfunction in the adult population remains controversial. Quality of life has not been studied appropriately in either population. Surgical revascularization is the only beneficial treatment option, and a combination of direct and indirect bypass techniques has shown benefit, but the impact on the above-mentioned parameters has not been sufficiently elucidated. Conclusions Moyamoya disease affects the cognition and daily function in pediatric patients to a greater extent than in adult patients. Due to the rarity of the disease, there is a distinct lack of high-level evidence regarding cognitive and clinical outcomes.

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